The deadline is approaching to apply for the fourth Suffolk Youth Public Safety Academy.

The program is an 11-week, after-school program for at-risk Suffolk youth between the ages of 13 and 17. Students gain hands-on experience on what it is like to be a police officer, firefighter and crime scene technician.

Participating youth are mentored by police officers and firefighters, while learning the value of teamwork and social responsibility.

Lessons and activities include how to use fire hoses, arson investigations, fingerprint evidence, stress management and more.

The academy is held at the King’s Fork Public Safety Center on Kings Fork Road. The city Parks and Recreation Department provides transportation to and from the program. Meals and snacks also are provided at each session.

There is no cost to participants for the program. Applications are available from school resource officers, the King’s Fork Public Safety Center at 300 Kings Fork Road, Suffolk Police headquarters at 111 Henley Place, Suffolk Parks and Recreation offices and Juvenile Intake. Applications also may be obtained by contacting Fire Investigator Pam King at 514-4542 or Detective Joyce Williams at 514-7944.

The deadline for applications is Friday at 5 p.m. The program begins March 1 and lasts through May 14. Sessions are set for 3:30 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday, with a week off for spring break April 9-13.

For more information, call 514-4542.