BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer
EAST BRUNSWICK – The police department is reaching out to township youth to give them a taste of what law enforcement is all about.
The town’s first-ever Junior Police Academy, expected to become an annual event, will run June 26-30 and is open to students entering seventh, eighth or ninth grade in September.
The academy had a limited number of vacancies remaining, which were being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
“This weeklong academy is packed with activities that cover many aspects of police work, including patrol and crime scene investigation. There will be many interesting demonstrations and activities, which will highlight all facets of the East Brunswick Police Department, as well as numerous other county, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” according to a press release from the department.
Among the activities are exhibitions from East Brunswick’s SWAT team, as well as a scuba demonstration by the water rescue team.
The department this spring distributed applications to the eligible students. Applications are also available at the East Brunswick police administrative division during regular business hours. Enrollment costs $60, which covers uniforms and equipment costs.
Patrolman Michael Knoll said that in the past the department conducted a senior academy, which went well and inspired the department to try a junior version.
“It was always our hope to do a youth academy to get police to foster a better relationship with the youth in town, not that the relationship is bad,” he said.
The academy, he said, is for all kids at those grade levels, even if they don’t have an interest yet in law enforcement.
“Maybe it will spark one,” Knoll said.
This year’s academy will mainly be held at Churchill Junior High School, and will involve police officers from every division within the department. It is being organized by Knoll and Patrolman Frank LoSacco of the Community Policing Unit.
Those interested in more information, can contact Knoll or LoSacco at (732) 390-6938.