STATESVILLE, N.C. — The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is preparing to kick off its annual Teen Academy with a record number of participants.

Sheriff Darren Campbell said more than 75 teens have registered for this year’s academy, making it the largest class the office has hosted in at least the past 10 years.

The academy begins Tuesday, July 7, at 6 p.m. Because of the large enrollment, the opening session will be held in the largest courtroom at the Iredell County Courthouse. Following an overview from Sheriff Campbell, participants and their parents will tour the Sheriff’s Office.

The multi-week program gives teens an inside look at careers in law enforcement through hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Upcoming sessions include a K-9 night on July 9, narcotics education and online dangers on July 23, crime scene investigation, an escape room and fingerprinting on July 28, a murder mystery exercise on July 30, a detention center tour on Aug. 4, and graduation on Aug. 6.

The Sheriff’s Office says the academy is designed to help young people learn about law enforcement while building leadership skills and strengthening relationships with deputies.