Student participating in the Junior Police Academy, put on by the City of Erie Police Athletic League (PAL), stopped by District Justice Tom Carney's office and met with local justices.

15 middle and high school students are part in the first-ever academy. They are graduates who could possibly have a future in law enforcement.

All this week, they're getting an up close and personal look at law enforcement.

The kids have interest and ability to become police officers themselves one day

"It's exciting to bring these young kids to be the leaders of the future in to help them, instill the knowledge and experience that we've all had as judges, and what we deal with everyday," said Carney. "They'll understand what they need to do when they're older and more mature, so they understand that we're just like they are. We want to be there to help them and support them and make them police officers of the future."

At District Judge Carney's office, Bruce Hoffman, owner of Bruce's Pub and Grub, presented a $500 check to PAL.

The cadets also stopped by the Erie County Courthouse Tuesday. They will tour the Erie Police Department Wednesday.