Last week concluded three one-week sessions of the South Brunswick Police Department’s Youth Academy. According to Police Chief Raymond Hayducka, the program is in it’s 14th year and has enrolled over 1,500 area youngsters.
"It is the crown jewel of the state and shows our commitment to the youth of this area. Other jurisdictions charge upwards of $100 tuition for participation," the chief said.
The program is funded by the Township Council with the cooperation of the South Brunswick Board of Education.
"The program brings out team building, instills self confidence, and teaches a ranking system to fifth graders," said Sgt. Gene Rickle, the program coordinator.
Participation in the program usually fills up on the day that the application process is announced.The program barters with the local Board of Education. In exchange for providing a school bus to take campers to the New Jersey Police Museum, the Police Department consults with the school community in matters of school safety for staff and students.
Each one-week session accommodates approximately 25 campers. Campers witness demonstrations by the K-9 unit, see police stops, experience seeing the jaws of life, and see a police helicopter demonstration.
