(SALEM, OR) — Dozens of Oregon teens got a firsthand look at what it takes to work in public safety during the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Youth Academy, held June 30 at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem. The one-day program introduced over 40 students, ages 14 to 18, to the broad range of careers available in law enforcement, forensics, emergency services, and judicial processes.
Hosted at the state’s premier training facility for public safety professionals, the Youth Academy offered participants an immersive and educational experience. Organized into four interactive sessions, the program was designed to simulate real-world public safety scenarios and provide practical instruction from experienced professionals with the DPSST and Oregon State Police (OSP).
In a session on Crime Scene Investigation, OSP’s Forensic Services Division guided students through procedures for collecting evidence, fingerprint dusting, and DNA swabbing. Another segment, focused on K9 tracking, placed students in a mock area search exercise alongside a working OSP bloodhound as they learned how law enforcement uses canine partners in missing person investigations.
Participants also stepped into the courtroom during a Mock Trial activity, which outlined the legal roles and responsibilities of law enforcement officers in the justice system. The exercise included instruction on courtroom procedures, providing students with an understanding of how investigations progress from the field to prosecution.
Another key feature of the academy was a Tactical Medicine and First Aid session. Teens practiced life-saving techniques, including applying tourniquets and handling trauma scenarios—skills commonly used in emergency response situations.
Beyond classroom instruction, the Youth Academy included a panel discussion with active public safety professionals. A diverse group that included a police chief, sheriff’s deputies, and an emergency dispatcher answered questions and shared insights about their respective roles. The panel offered students a realistic view of the challenges and rewards of working in public safety.
To give participants a broader understanding of the tools and technology used in the field, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office presented specialized equipment used in mountain rescues and tactical operations. This included a snowcat vehicle for winter rescues and an armored truck used during SWAT deployments.
For students like 17-year-old Ellison, the academy served as a springboard into her future ambitions. Hoping to become a crime scene investigator, she found the hands-on modules and access to professionals especially beneficial. Learning about career specialization and educational pathways gave her a more focused view of how to achieve her goals.
The DPSST Youth Academy is part of the agency’s broader effort to inspire the next generation of public safety professionals. By engaging teens early with experiential learning and mentorship, the program helps prepare interested students to pursue careers that are essential to the safety and well-being of Oregon communities.