The Summit Police Department has announced the dates for the 2018 Youth Academy. The academy will be running two, one-week sessions: Session One from July 23 to 27; and Session Two from July 30 to August 3. Both sessions will be held at the Summit Police Department, with classes running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
This will be the 14th season of this popular program, designed to provide area youths with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the role of the police officer. Summit Police Youth Academy has been modeled after today’s police academy and the cadets will undergo daily physical and Drill and Ceremony training, as well as instruction in criminal investigation techniques, evidence recovery and patrol practices. In addition, the cadets will participate in field trips to the Union County Police Academy and attend demonstrations from various specialized units that are available to law enforcement, such as the police canine unit, SWAT team and the bomb squad.
Each cadet will receive official Summit Police Youth Academy uniforms to wear throughout the course. Upon successful completion of the course the cadets will participate in a graduation ceremony in which they will be presented with a certificate of completion and an official Summit Police Youth Academy patch. Each cadet will also receive a DVD slideshow of photos taken during their session.
Acceptance into this program requires that the applicant be between the ages of 11 to 14. Cadets will be selected on a first come, first served basis. Please note preference will be given to Summit residents who are new applicants; former recruits and out-of-town applicants will be placed on a waiting list. In order to be considered, the tuition fee of $100 must accompany the application. For those applicants that are experiencing financial hardships, there are a limited number of scholarships available.
Applications will be available at the Police Department, the Summit Middle School Office, and online at cityofsummit.org. Applications will be accepted beginning March 12, and the deadline for applications will be April 20, 2018.
For additional information please contact Det/Sgt. Ryan Peters at rpeters@spdnj.org, 908-273-5871; or Pam Ferreira at pferreira@spdnj.org, 908-277-9473.