MADISON, Neb. -  Kids in northeast Nebraska are learning what it takes to serve and protect. 

Kids are learning new skills at Madison's first Junior Police Academy.

"It's more or less about talking to the Madison youth or area-youth about making healthy choices and good decisions," said Chief Matt Gartner.

Gartner became Madison's Police Chief in February and said he wanted to do something to help educate the next generations.

"We're hitting on how to properly cross the street, stranger danger, and show the kids what a crime scene looks like," said Gartner.

Gartner said the most important part of the training is about building a relationship with young people.

"Getting to know the police officers and we get to know them," said Gartner. "We throw waves at them when we're out there and they throw waves at us back."

The kid cadets will earn their badges and graduate Tuesday.