In an area full of crime, shootings and more a number of high school students from Dutchess County are embarking on a program that will teach them how to become police officers.

On Tuesday at 5 p.m., The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is hosting their first careers in law enforcement program for local high school students.

55 students from Poughkeepsie and Arlington high schools were selected to participate in the 12-week program. Throughout the course of the program, future local officers will learn about various opportunities available to them relating to a career in the criminal justice system.

During the 12-week course, the students will hear from police officers, probation officers, assistant district attorneys, crime analysts, crime lab technicians, judges and many others local officials

At the end of the course students will also be given instruction on applying for and taking the civil service exam.

Students and local officers are scheduled to meet each week at the City of Poughkeepsie Public Safety building located on Main Street in Poughkeepsie.

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