Westfield Police Youth Academy
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the Westfield Youth Academy is back! This year’s program runs from Monday, August 8 to Friday, August 12, and is open to Westfield residents who are entering grades 9-12. There is no cost for the program. For additional information, or for an application, please visit wpdnj.org/youthacademy. The deadline to apply isMay 6, 2022.
In addition to an application, interested students will be required to submit an essay stating why they wish to be selected for the Youth Police Academy, as well as provide a reference letter from a non-family member. Due to space constraints, only a limited number of students can be accepted.
Youth Academy students will start each day with a basic military drill and physical fitness activities to be led by a certified Westfield Police Department Physical Fitness Instructor and current John H. Stamler Police Academy Drill Instructor.
Thereafter, students will head into the classroom for specialized instruction on criminal, juvenile and motor vehicle law, as well as an introduction to the court system, crime prevention and criminal investigations. They will also receive basic first aid instruction and CPR certification. The curriculum will include special guest speakers and demonstrations from various other law enforcement and public safety agencies.
“We are very excited to bring back the Youth Police Academy, which provides us with yet another opportunity to engage with the community,” said Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro. “This program will give our young residents an opportunity to see the inner workings of our police department and provide them with some insight into a potential future career in law enforcement.”
