OPELOUSAS, La. (KLFY) -- Children in grades 3-6 can learn about law enforcement careers over the summer in the Junior Police Academy with the Opelousas Police Department.

When Opelousas Police Chief Greg LeBlanc took office, one of his main goals was to bring back the Junior Police Academy. LeBlanc said the program holds a special place in his heart because it creates a new generation of police officers, such as past graduates like Lafayette Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette.

"The police department having a relationship with the younger generation is very important to get an understanding between law enforcement and the community that we serve," LeBlanc said. "We want to grab them, and we want to let them know what we do, why we do it and how we do it."

LeBlanc said the program has been very successful, with two classes graduating since its return.

The Junior Police Academy allows kids to spend the summer learning not only about law enforcement but also leadership, responsibility, and how to treat others as they ride along and work with officers at OPD.

The program has also inspired kids to become officers themselves. In fact, Jolivette and his brother Derrick Jolivette-Davis are graduates of the Junior Police Academy.

Jolivette-Davis has been in the military police for 15 years. He remembers his experience with his brother in the junior police program.

"That was his goal, that someone and that's what he always talked about," Jolivette-Davis said. "He always dreamed of wearing a white shirt. We went to the program together and that was that was a proud moment for him because it opened up doors of opportunity for him."

Jolivette-Davis and LeBlanc hope the program will continue to inspire kids to be difference-makers in their community.

"It gives them some type of guidance in life," Jolivette-Davis said. "These skills don't just apply to law enforcement, military or first responders. Right? You can use these skills anywhere. Leadership skills are universal in any career. This can teach them 'I can be the change'."

LeBlanc is optimistic about the success of the Junior Police Academy.

"Every year, it looks like it's going to get better and better, and that's what we strive to do," LeBlanc said.

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