LEAGUE CITY — The League City Police Department is once again opening its doors to local teens this summer, offering a rare look behind the badge through its annual Teen Police Academy. Now in its eighth year, the program gives high school students a chance to experience what it truly takes to serve as a police officer.

Running from July 22 to July 25, 2025, the Teen Academy is open to all high school students in League City, including those in public, private, or homeschool settings. The free four-day academy will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, offering hands-on training in a variety of law enforcement topics such as patrol procedures, traffic stops, firearms safety, criminal law, CPR and first aid, as well as crime scene investigations and scenario-based exercises.

“The purpose of the LCPD Teen Police Academy is to give high school students a ‘behind the badge’ view of core police functions,” said Community Outreach Officer Todd Young to KGTX 7. “Just like our Citizen’s Police Academy for adults, the teen academy opens eyes to the truth and reality of what police officers deal with day to day.”

Officer Young also noted that the program serves as a valuable recruiting tool, especially at a time when many departments in the Houston area are struggling with staffing shortages.

“Due to a negative political and media climate toward police during the past five or so years, many departments have found themselves understaffed,” he said. “Having League City high school students attend our academy instills a sense of loyalty to our department, which is beneficial when it’s time for them to choose a law enforcement agency to begin their career.”

Space is limited to just 25 students, and applicants must be in good standing at school and have no history of excessive disciplinary issues or police encounters. Lunch, drinks, snacks, and an academy t-shirt are provided, all made possible by community donations and proceeds from LCPD’s annual golf tournament.

Applications are now open, and students interested in joining are encouraged to reach out to Officer Todd Young or Officer Trevor Montero through the City of League City’s website. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 11, 2025.