MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Local high school students are geared up to gain hands-on experience in law enforcement after attending the Meridian Township Police Department's Youth Citizens' Academy meeting.

The first meeting, held on Wednesday, was hosted by Meridian Township Police Sergeant Scott Dawson, and is part of a seven week program.

Dawson said this is the ninth year the program has been hosted. Last year the program had about 17 students participate and this year the class size consists of 12 students. Dawson said this class size is ideal and that his son is one of the students participating.

The idea behind the program is to foster a positive relationship between teenage students and law enforcement.

"A lot of times teenagers don't have the greatest ideas about police officers," Dawson said. "They may have had run-ins with us because of traffic tickets, an MIP or a party."

In addition to fostering a positive relationship, students will gain hands-on experience in the various aspects of law enforcement, including use of force, crime scene investigation, K-9 operations and alcohol enforcement.

Meetings are held every Wednesday from now until March 30, 2016 at the Meridian Township Police Department from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.