Township police have opened registration for the department’s 10th annual junior police academy in late July.
Sgt. Anthony Amato, head of the department’s Community Response Unit, has been a part of the academy since its inception. Its purpose, he says, is to create early relationships with kids from 11 to 14 years old.
“We want to go ahead and show young people what police work looks like, but also try to build those relationships early,” Amato noted. “They have the opportunity to interact with our officers in a positive settings and see those human interactions with the individuals behind the badge.
“We feel pretty strongly that programs like this help build trust and understanding that can last well beyond that one week.”
Amato has interacted with cadets in previous academy programs, including two who are now officers.
During the five-day academy at police, fire and Juvenile Detention Center locations, participants will see demonstrations from the canine and tactical response units and a drone operator. Instruction also includes CPR; marching routines; and scenario training in crime scenes and motor-vehicle stops.
The program’s $200 fee generates funds that go back to the academy to pay for materials like cadet uniforms and backpacks. This year’s class is expected to have about 40 participants.
The academy has evolved over the years from a classroom setting with power point presentations to sessions that are more hands on.
“I prefer to get them moving a little more, invest a little more in activities that are outside,” Amato explained. “And just keep them active and busy throughout the day and doing a lot of fun high-impact things. That seems to be a better way to provide the type instruction that we want to provide to them.”
Amato said the program it isn’t about recruiting future officers but inspiring the kids.
“They would say that the biggest takeaway is that there’s some confidence building,” Amato said. “They feel a little stronger connection to leadership. They feel like they could be a better leader. They have a positive connection with their police department.
“It’s an accomplishment …” he added. “They’re becoming better people, more well-rounded people to understand discipline and being a part of their community.”
The academy program will host a National Night Out event – a national and local effort to strengthen ties between police and their communities – in August, and a majority of cadets volunteer their time. The police department’s other youth outreach includes hosting Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) sessions in schools and putting SROs (School Resource Officers) in the township school district.
Junior police academy dates are Monday through Friday, July 27 through 31. Register at www.chnj.gov.
