Kids in Chilton County had the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement this week during the annual Junior Deputy Academy.

The program was open to children between the ages of 9 and 15 and teaches children about weapon safety, sheriff’s office operations, narcotics investigations, K-9 and Dive Teams.

“It is just a time where kids can come learn different things about law enforcement,” said Ken Harmon with the sheriff’s department.

Specifically, the program is a good way for children to interact with law enforcement.

Harmon said 37 kids participated in activities this week, which covered physical fitness, self-discipline, jail operations, responsibility, leadership, criminal investigations and dive team operations.

On Wednesday, kids had the opportunity to spend time at Clanton City Pool with officers from the Homeland Security Dive Team, and took part in exercises such as tug of war.

“The kids have a lot of fun, and we enjoy putting this on,” Harmon said.

Logan Mayfield, 14, has attended the Jr. Deputy Academy the last three years, and said he enjoys learning new things each year.

“I think it is great for people who want to have a career in law enforcement,” Mayfield said. “I have come to this the last three years, and I still learn something new.”

Alanna Cleckler, 9, attended the Junior Deputy Academy for the first time this year, and said her favorite part so far was getting to go swimming at the pool.

“It has been super fun,” Cleckler said. “I loved getting to play tug of war.”

Cleckler said she learned about drugs and how “they are bad for you.”

The kids will finish out the week learning about Facebook, phone and texting safety and will have a graduation ceremony on Friday at noon.

The community is invited to attend the ceremony, which will be held at the Chilton County Courthouse.

Prior to the ceremony, students will march from the Chilton County Jail to the courthouse around 10 a.m.