MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Created in the fall of 2016, the Martinsburg Initiative continues to be an innovative program designed to prevent the opioid epidemic from continuing into the next generation of students in the Eastern Panhandle.
The program is partnership between the Martinsburg Police Department, Berkeley County Schools, and a collection of faith-based, health and law enforcement organizations in the community.
On Tuesday’s Panhandle Live, Martinsburg Police Chief Maury Richards and Deputy Chief George Swartwood provided an update on the program as it plans to expand and resurrect the Martinsburg Junior Police Academy.
Swartwood said the academy will be a great tool for students who are looking to learn more about the department.
“It gives these children some structure. It shows them kind of what it’ll be like to go to a Police academy,” said Swartwood. “It will be a big thing. I’m glad its coming back.”
Chief Richards says the expansion of the initiative is thanks to a new grant through Berkeley County Schools worth $330,000. The 7-8 week Junior Police Academy program will aim to launch next month.