BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
SPOTSWOOD — High school students wondering what life as a police officer is like need not wonder too much longer.
The Spotswood Police Department will offer them a first-hand experience this summer through its new Junior Police Academy. The academy, free of charge to residents, will be used to give high school students a look at some of the situations that police officers deal with. And at the end of the one-week academy, the teenagers will get to investigate a crime, albeit a fictitious one, said Spotswood Police Sgt. Chris Bierman, one of the academy coordinators.
Bierman said each day of the academy will feature a different lesson. Among the topics officers will discuss are life skills such as peer mediation, different types of crimes, victims of crimes, drugs, the 911 system, the history of police service, and the importance of education.
“The long-term goal will be a simulated crime scene where they will have to go out and investigate and come back with their findings,” Bierman said.
Students need not worry too much what’s in store for them, as Bierman said it is not as intense as an actual adult police academy.
“We will talk about nutrition, and it will be a fun environment,” he said. “There will be marching and calisthenics to get them going and regimented, and see what the life is. It’s important for them to stay fit and learn what it’s like to spend a day as a police officer or going to the police academy.”
What students learn can help them even if they don’t choose a career as a police officer. Among the skills they’ll be taught are working in a group and problem solving.
The students will also meet others from the community, including members of the fire and first aid squads.
“It’s our way of getting the entire community involved, and showing kids law enforcement is their friend,” he said.
Other towns have used junior police academies, but this summer’s will be the first for Spotswood.
All Spotswood police officers will be involved in the academy, which is being coordinated by Bierman, patrolmen Nicholas Mayo, Les Genovese and Kevin Palmer, and Detective Ed Schapley. The academy has been in the planning phase for the past six months.
The academy will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 18-22. It is open to all students in grades nine to 12 and will take place at both the Spotswood High School and police headquarters.
Anyone interested can pick up an application form at the police station, located at 77 Summerhill Road.
“This is for them to have a positive experience with law enforcement and the community that serves them,” Bierman said. “If there are problems, they can come back to us. We’re here to help them.”