By Trace Espinosa, City of Montgomery Communications Intern

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, the Montgomery Police Department celebrated the graduation of the 2025 Junior Police Academy class, which marked the end of a weeklong program that gave local youth a strong firsthand approach to law enforcement and leadership.

Held at the Montgomery Police Department on 320 N. Ripley St., the graduation ceremony honored 13 students who completed field-based activities which ranged from the district court to the Equal Justice Initiative Center. The program was designed to foster trust between young residents and law enforcement while empowering participants to be role models for their friends and families.

“The Junior Police Academy is the first time since COVID that we’ve been able to fully engage with youth in this capacity,” said Lt. W.E. Stewart, supervisor with the Montgomery Police Department’s Community Policing Bureau. “During the week, they had a hands-on experience where they went to the district court to see what it’s like. We are planning for this to happen next year as well.”

Parents and MPD officers attended the ceremony, which included a warm welcome and opening remarks from Lt. Stewart, along with words of encouragement from Chief Graboys, followed by recognition and remarks from the department. Graduates received certificates of completion along with posed photos with Chief Graboys and Lt. Stewart.

Afterward, the Junior Police Academy cadets, along with their families, enjoyed lunch to celebrate the accomplishments of the week.

The Junior Police Academy is an important part of Montgomery Police Department’s outreach efforts. This initiative reinforces the city's commitment to empowerment and investment in its youth.

For more information about the Junior Police Academy and other MPD youth initiatives, visit the MPD website or contact the Montgomery Police Department at 334-625-2532.

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