Westchester County Aviation Unit Lands at Iona College

Thirty-eight high school students from throughout Westchester County had the opportunity to learn what it takes to be part of a police aviation unit.

The students, part of the Westchester Youth Police Academy, witnessed the Westchester County Police Aviation Unit land its helicopter on the grounds of Iona College’s campus on Friday, May 31, where they also spoke with the pilots and got an insiders look at the chopper.

The Westchester Youth Police Academy is a five-week, full-time internship program for high school seniors designed to teach students about careers in law enforcement and criminal justice. It is a partnership with police departments and high schools throughout Westchester and Iona College’s Department of Criminal Justice.

As part of the program, experts ranging from juvenile legal experts and correction officers, to military experts and federal and local law enforcement officers, provide students with lessons and insights about what it takes to succeed in a law enforcement career.

WYPA also includes field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, the Westchester County Jail, Westchester County Court, and the Westchester County Forensics Investigation Unit, among other relevant and educational outings.

This class is slated to graduate next week.