MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Meridian Township's Youth Citizens' Academy teaches a group of local high schooler's what it's like to be in Meridian Township's police force, with opportunities to be hands on about what being in law enforcement entails.

"The youth academy is a program we run, so that we can get people in Meridian Township, the youth of Meridian Township, acclimated with our police department and our day to day operations," said Sergeant Besonen.

This class is much different from what many high schooler's are used to. This week's lecture discusses use of force.

Members, under the guidance of Sergeant Besonen, got to see first hand how a Taser is used, as well as try out pepper ball guys with talcum powder bullets.

The lecture the students received also provided important insight on when using force is necessary to ensure your own, and other's safety.

Many members of the academy say the experience has helped them decide that law enforcement is a career path they'd like to follow.

"It's a great experience here. It's a good way of learning how Meridian Township Police work, and their every day work life," said Youth Citizens' Academy member Blake Roe.

The Youth Citizens' Academy meets weekly on Wednesday evenings.