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Summit Police Department ~ Summit, New Jersey
512 Springfield Avenue Summit NJ 07901         Ph: 908-273-0051

Youth Academy

City of Summit Police Department

Youth Academy

The goal of the Police Youth Academy is to familiarize children with the role of a Police Officer.  This Academy will expose cadets to some of the training, procedures and technology utilized by police officers.  The Academy is designed to give local youth the opportunity to learn respect for the law by providing them with positive interaction during their attendance at the academy and motivates young people to be outstanding citizens through law enforcement education.

It encourages our young citizens to be partners in building safer schools and communities.  The attendees, as leaders of tomorrow, will be instilled with an appreciation and newfound respect for law enforcers and their role in society.  The academy has been shown to improve self-esteem, discipline, self-confidence and respect for the attendees and law enforcement.
 

HOW DOES THE YOUTH ACADEMY WORK?

Like anything worthwhile, becoming a police officer is not easy.  There are a number of obstacles that a police recruit has to overcome to obtain the honor of wearing “the badge.”  The cadets will gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to succeed as a Police Officer in this challenging and dangerous profession

The Youth Academy is a one-week program, housed at the Summit Police Department, which will meet daily from 8:00am to approximately 2:00pm.  Currently two classes per year will be scheduled during the summer months, one in July and one in August. 

Cadets will be required to participate in all scheduled activities, including fitness training; military drills, rendering first aid, etc.  The Youth Police Academy is not a “boot camp” for troubled youth.  It is designed to operate like an actual police academy for those interested in law enforcement.  Cadets should be prepared for a hands-on experience spanning a wide variety of Law Enforcement techniques and training. 

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE?

Any Summit, New Providence, Chatham or Berkeley Heights resident between 11 and 14 years of age may apply.  Applications may be obtained at the Police Dispatch Center, located in the lobby of City Hall or on-line @ www.summitpolice.com.  All completed applications will be reviewed to ensure that each applicant meets the requirements. 

Applications must be returned prior to the application deadline for consideration.  They may be mailed to the Summit Police Dept. Attn. Youth Academy, 512 Springfield Avenue Summit, NJ 07901 or hand delivered to the police desk located in the lobby of City Hall.  Those applications received after the application deadline will not be considered.

WHAT CAN MY CHILD EXPECT FROM ATTENDING THE YOUTH ACADEMY?

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE COVERED IN THE YOUTH  ACADEMY?

The following topics are covered during the academy:

 Additionally, field trips are taken to the Summit Police Department and the Union County Police Academy.

IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE YOUTH ACADEMY; WHAT IS INCLUDED?

The tuition for the academy is $85.00 per student (financial hardships should not preclude those interested from applying as assistance may be available).  Each student will receive two Summit Police Department Youth Academy uniforms, water bottles, transportation to and from the Union County Police Academy and investigative equipment for hands on practical exercises.  Upon completion of the course each student will receive a class photo and certificate of completion.  Due to number of students per class and the broad range of dietary needs, students will be responsible for providing their own lunches. 

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PHYSICAL FITNESS TRAINING?

If your child is unable to participate in the physical training segment of the program due to a medical condition, a waiver will be granted.  All medical concerns MUST be reported to the Academy Director prior to the start of the class.

ARE PARENTS/GUARDIANS ABLE TO VISIT/ATTEND THE PROGRAM?

The Youth Academy is designed to operate along the same guidelines outlined in the modern day police academy.  Due to the structure of the program only the instructors and those associated with the program will be permitted to interact with the cadets during their training.  The graduation ceremony will provide the parents/guardians an opportunity to view the drill and ceremony training that each cadet will undergo.

ADVISORY

The Youth Academy will adhere to a strict paramilitary code of conduct.  All cadets will be expected to conduct themselves in accordance with these rules and the Youth Academy’s dress code.  Uniforms will be provided by the academy.

Parental consent and medical clearance are required before anyone is allowed to participate in the program.  Prior to the start of the class, the parents/guardians of those applicants that have been accepted will be required to attend a pre-admission meeting.  Information packets will be sent out in advance, following the application process.

HOW DO I GET MORE INFORMATION?

For questions regarding the Youth Police Academy, please contact the Academy Director, Det/Sgt. Thomas Rich at 908-273-5871 trich@cityofsummit.org or Academy Secretary Pam Ferreira at 908-277-9473 pferreira@cityofsummit.org.

                Please submit completed forms to the Summit Police Department