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Youth Police Academy
a 'Tremendous Success'

Freehold Borough Police Department
Monday, August 11, 2008

The uncertainty as to what to expect from the Freehold Borough Police Department's first ever Youth Police Academy was not just in the minds of the recruits: the officers running the program felt it just as much.

On Monday, August 5th, however, there was no more uncertainty. This night was the celebration of the 25 recruits who survived the sometimes rigorous program. This was the night where the formal graduation was held in the municipal court in Police Headquarters.

Recruits marched in perfect step to a resounding cadence called by Drill Instructor Carl White as a member of the New Jersey State Police filled the room with the sounds of bagpipes.

The program lasted six days for the young men and women who ranged in age from 12 to 16-years-old. The class was made up of a diverse mix of children from all backgrounds who learned to operate together as a cohesive unit.

The program was spearheaded by 18-year-veteran Ptl. Keith Bailey. Keith has been assembling and coordinating the course over the past year.

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

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

There was drill and ceremony (marching) every morning and physical training each afternoon.

Through donations and Freehold officers volunteering their time, the program was presented free of cost.

Additionally, students received meals each day, all academic materials, t-shirts and hats worn as uniforms.

"The program was a tremendous success" according to Ptl. Keith Bailey, the director. "We've received more positive feedback from both the kids and the parents then we ever would have imagined."

Freehold Borough Police Department
Monday, August 11, 2008