Building trust

For one week each summer, children across Las Cruces trade ordinary summer days for dodgeball games with police officers, helicopter landings, and lessons that reach far beyond the classroom. 

Behind those activities is the Las Cruces Police Department’s Summer Youth Leadership Academy, a program that introduces children ages 9 to 11 to law enforcement through three one-week sessions focused on mentorship, teamwork and hands-on learning. Each session is limited to 25 participants, and registration typically opens at the beginning of May. 

“We want them to know that they can trust us,” School Resource Sgt. Jesse Gonzales said. “We don’t want anybody to be afraid of police officers. We want them to know we’re here for them.” 

Throughout the academy, participants split their time between recreational activities and interactive demonstrations that introduce them to different areas of law enforcement. 

This year’s campers investigated a mock burglary using fingerprint evidence, met the department’s K-9 unit, watched drone demonstrations, toured the SWAT team’s BearCat vehicle and learned CPR and basic first aid from the Las Cruces Fire Department. The New Mexico National Guard landed a helicopter for students to explore, while New Mexico State University welcomed campers to campus for a day of activities. 

Gonzales, who has overseen the academy for the past two years, said interest in the program has continued to grow. Last summer, the department hosted two weeklong sessions. This year, demand allowed organizers to expand to three, with every session filling and a waiting list forming. Earlier this month, the Las Cruces City Council approved acceptance of a $5,000 grant from New Mexico State University to support the academy. 

“We try to make it better every year,” Gonzales said. “We get a lot of positive feedback from the parents saying how much their kids loved it and that they can’t wait to come back the following year.” 

For Kristina Krausen, enrolling her daughter was an easy decision after hearing another parent’s recommendation. The experience exceeded her expectations. Because her daughter is preparing to enter sixth grade, she met the School Resource Officer assigned to her future middle school — a connection Krausen said immediately eased some of the uncertainty surrounding the transition. 

“I think she was just more confident,” Krausen said. “She made these connections with so many law enforcement officers within our community. She knows if she needs something or feels unsafe, she already has someone she can go to.” 

Krausen also appreciated how engaged the children remained throughout the week. With numerous officers volunteering at the academy, students spent less time waiting and more time participating in activities, she said. 

“I would recommend it because it’s just such a great experience,” Krausen said. “It’s a good community experience. They get to build those relationships with the officers and with other kids.” 

A school counselor, Krausen said she plans to encourage the families she works with to enroll their children in future academies. 

“Sometimes during the summer kids don’t have anything to do,” she said. “This is a really good, safe, fun learning opportunity.” 

While the academy depends on support from community partners, Gonzales said its purpose has remained the same. 

“My biggest thing is I hope they see us as role models,” he said. “We want them to know they can come up to us, say hi, give us a high five and know that we’re always here for them.”