Get your application for the free Bergen Youth Police Academy

SHOUT OUT: It seemed a pie-in-the-sky idea when Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli and now-Superior Court Judge Lisa Perez Friscia first pitched it nearly a decade ago, but an “academy” where young people can learn honor, respect and commitment has become so successful that officials are now accepting applications for the Bergen County Youth Police Academy Class #9.

Photo Credit: *Cliffview Pilot File Photo*

Jerry DeMarco

03/05/2013 4:14 p.m.

Paid for with funds forfeited by criminals, the free two-week “day camp,” which runs M-F July 8 through July 19, is open to teens entering the 9th, 10th , 11th and 12th grades.

Designed by law enforcement professionals, the academy “offers an up-close opportunity for young people to understand what police academy cadets experience,” said Molinelli, who created the special camp in 2004. “Strong emphasis is placed on self respect, respect of others, teamwork and commitment to one’s goals.”

The objective: Educate the cadets about public service, including county government, the judiciary, emergency services and law enforcement.

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DOWNLOAD YOUR APPLICATION HERE: Bergen County Youth Police Academy Class #9

Print, complete and send to:

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office
100 Eisenhower Drive
Paramus, NJ 07652
ATTENTION: Eileen Hughes

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The curriculum relies heavily on hands-on, interactive educational and physical training. Daily programs include presentations from educators,
interaction with county agencies, and field trips.

And although the program will be based at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute at 281 Campgaw Road in Mahwah, teens will be able to report to the Bergen County Jail, 160 River Street in Hackensack, where buses will take them back and forth.

If things are switched up, parents will be notified in advance.

Exact times will be explained to parents at a mandatory meeting before the academy begins. One thing they will stress is that cadets be early for the buses from the jail. These will pull out on time whether everyone’s there or not.

The academy will provide daily lunches, a t-shirt and shorts for each cadet. And the rules are the rules: Any cadet who doesn’t follow them gets bounced.

Then comes graduation, in an official ceremony.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 3, 2013. Space is limited, and priority will be given to those received first (And yes, these must be completed for your child to qualify).

QUESTIONS? Contact the prosecutor’s Community Outreach Division at 201-226-5509, or email Eileen Hughes at ehughes@bcpo.net

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