Washington State Patrol, Kiwanis Team up for Youth Law Enforcement Career Camp

Washington state high school juniors and seniors interested in law enforcement are invited to apply for a special week-long camp.

Auburn Chief of Police Bill Pierson says the 42nd annual Washington State – Kiwanis Youth Law Enforcement Camp is designed to expose students to many areas of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

“They go through a series of some classroom time.” explained Pierson, “They also go through some practical time which is outside of the classroom. K9, dive team, and Fish and Wildlife demonstrations. (Students) work on the pursuit track, do mock scenes, train on how to conduct traffic stops and how to interview people. They learn somewhat about the criminal justice system and the law.”

The camp will employ paintballs and simunition extensively. Simunition rounds are rubber bullets tipped with a small paintball.

“The camp is run somewhat in a paramilitary style, very similar to how a new cadet with the Washington State Patrol would conduct themselves.” continued Peirson, “We do try to instill a little bit of discipline. Discipline, work and attention to detail; we think that is all part of the camp experience.”

Pierson, who attended the camp in 1984, said they may or may not use firearms this year. He said every year is a case by case basis.