Kids turn out for Spokane’s Junior Police Academy

Kids were lined up and ready to go before the Spokane Police Department’s Junior Police Academy even began Saturday afternoon in Riverfront Park.

Bob Smith brought his grandsons to the event and 4-year-old Max Kelly was particularly enthusiastic.

“He really wants to arrest me,” Smith said. “I think I was jaywalking.”

Like most boys his age, Kelly can’t decide if he wants to be a firefighter or police officer. While the boy was eager to see the cars and equipment, Smith said he appreciated that police were reaching out to kids and helping teach them that police are not to be feared.

“We’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” he said.

The event began last year on the first floor of River Park Square and attracted 600 kids. This year the department moved the event to the north picnic shelter in Riverfront Park to give them more room.

“We were shocked at how many kids came through last year,” police spokeswoman Officer Teresa Fuller said.

Kids climbed in police cars, sat in an oversized ATV called a “mule” and tried on police riot gear and handcuffs. Young James Traphagan, 4, thoroughly explored a police SUV. He climbed all over the inside before taking his place behind the wheel. He seemed content to stay there, but his mother finally coaxed him out.

“He wants to be a police officer or a fireman or a dinosaur wrangler,” Jessica Traphagan said. “It depends on what movie we’re watching.”

Those who showed up shortly after the event began at 1 p.m. did not get to see the promised police dogs, armored personnel carrier or Explosives Disposal Unit equipment because it was all in use across the Spokane River at a Donald Trump political rally.

While the rally may have diverted assets for a while, Fuller said she’s grateful the department wasn’t forced to cancel the event.

In addition to letting kids practice making 911 calls and getting their picture taken for identification, Fuller said the event gives police a chance to interact with children when they’re not in a crisis situation.

“It’s not scary for them,” she said. “They can look in our cars and look at the stuff on our belts. They can see us as people.”