• Students gather around and get hands- on expereience

UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Area high school students received a crime scene investigation instruction from Meridian township investigator for the 2012 Youth CItizen's Academy.

More than 10 students participated to learn how police handled crime scenes in real world. Leah Hadding from Haslett was surprised how different it was from watching television shows. "On CSI, it's all fast and easy and high tech, but it actually takes forever.. It even takes hours to get those finger prints."

The free program first started in 2006, and it has provided more than just a lesson of police work. Investigator at Meridian Township Police Department, Greg Harris, said the program is more than about giving presentations. "It's a great program for us to interact with community and citizens. It's also great for us to develop a relationship with them where they can feel comfortable because they get to see what we do for living."

If you would like to join next year's academy, you can call at 517-853-4800 to find out for more information.

ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Local high school students gathered at the Meridian Township Police Department for the 2012 Youth Citizen's Academy.