2nd Annual Youth Police Academy in the Works

Freehold Borough Police Department
Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Well, it's official.

The Freehold Borough Police Department will be continuing the Youth Police Academy program which was launched in the summer of 2008.

The feedback from the first program was incredible.  The instructors enjoyed themselves immensely.  The parents of the recruits couldn't say enough about the program.  And, most importantly, the twenty-five fantastic kids who were the First Class, all described it as a great experience.

This year's program will begin on July 20th and run though July 29th.  Two extra days were added.  Graduation is set for Friday, July 31st.

"Recruits" will attend courses in the Freehold Borough Police Headquarters building located on Jackson Street.  The courses range from criminal investigation to arrest, search and seizure to realistic incident scenario training.

Some instructors will be from the Freehold Borough Police Department while others will be from the New Jersey State Police, the FBI, the Secret Service, the United States Marshal Service and others.

There will also be drill and ceremony (marching) every morning and physical training each afternoon.

Through donations and Freehold officers volunteering their time, we are able to present this program free of cost. 

Additionally, students will receive meals each day, all academic materials, t-shirts and hats to be worn as uniforms, and all will be at no cost.

As with last year, we must caution parents and children before enrolling. 

This program should not be confused with summer camp.  It will simulate a real-life police academy.  The environment will be well disciplined.  It will be a real, boot camp-type experience complete with drill instructors, physical training and lots of yelling.  Attendees will be participate in military-style marching and inspections. and those who do not comply will be dismissed.

Also, this is not a boot camp for children in crisis.  We can direct those who many need such resources elsewhere.

As of now, we will be accepting 26 children for the program.  Borough residents will be given first priority. If we exhaust the applicants from Freehold Borough, we will move on to applicants who reside outside the Borough.

For more information, contact Ptl. Keith Bailey at (732) 462-1233.

The actual application will be available later this year. 

We wish the best of luck to all who apply!

Freehold Borough Police Department
Wednesday, January 28, 2009