FORT PIERCE - The police department is looking for a few motivated teens to participate in its first-ever Youth Police Academy/Summer Camp.

The three-week Youth Police Academy/Summer Camp is a terrific bargain for free. Each participant must be 13-17 years old, show proof of a physical exam and submit two letters of recommendation and a completed application before the June 8th deadline. In order for a child to be considered, parents or guardians are required to attend an orientation on Friday, June 13th, at 7 p.m. at the Fort Pierce Athletic League Center, located at 1401 N. 2nd Street in Fort Pierce.

It isn't difficult to get into the free camp, but there is a limit of 50 kids so it is a good idea to sign up early. Cadets will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The summer youth academy runs June 16thto July 3rd, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the PAL Center and each day at camp offers a different and unique experience. Participants must live in Fort Pierce.

The academy has been designed to offer teens a unique hands-on opportunity to go behind the scenes at the Fort Pierce Police Department and experience first-hand what it is like to be an officer. Many different officers and presenters run the classes, which include lots of fun activities, and will introduce cadets to all aspects of law enforcement.

"The academy will give local youth a chance to learn respect for the law through positive interactions with police officers as participants in the summer academy," said Chief R. Sean Baldwin. "It will encourage our young residents to be partners in helping the department achieve its mission of protecting the community we serve."

The coordinator of the Youth Police Academy/Summer Camp is Sergeant Robert Curry, a 20-year veteran with the department. The academy/camp is being run with support from the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency and donations from local businesses including Tropicana, Big Apple Pizza, Wal-Mart and Expresso Pizza.

Applications and flyers are available online at www.fppd.org.The links can be found on thepolice department's homepage.

For additional information, contact theFort Pierce Police Department at 772-461-3820.