BEND, OR -- Teens can learn about careers in law enforcement this summer. Central Oregon Women in Law Enforcement hosts the first ever Junior Women's Law Enforcement Academy on July 10. It's open to young women ages 13-18. Register by calling Redmond Police Lt. April Huey at 541-504-3474, or email. Topics covered include defensive tactics, dispatching and the judicial process.

The following weekend, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office offers its Youth Academy for kids between 14 and 17 years old. "It’s a great time for young people to come in and get some hands-on experience and some classroom training," says Sheriff Shane Nelson. "We just want to make sure we have that connection with young people, and get them excited about the profession now." 

DCSO’s youth academy is July 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. "It’s not super intense. They’ll learn how to do some crime scene investigations, they’ll get some introductions to our Corrections Division and our jail, and some of the calls that patrol deputy sheriffs go on," says Nelson. There's also a K9 demonstration and a discussion with SWAT. 

"We’re very aware that we usually see people at the worst moment of their lives. So, we just want to provide more opportunity where there’s a positive connection," Nelson tells KBND News, "You get 15-20 young teens and young adults that come into your youth academy once a year, that’s 15-20 more folks that might be applying with your office in the future."

Applications for the Youth Academy are due by May 31. Click HERE for more information.