Police are now accepting applications through June 1.
The Evesham Township Police Department is hosting its annual Junior Police Academy day camp this summer.
Police describe the purpose of the Junior Police Academy as a way to provide young citizens with an introduction to law enforcement.
According to the department, the goal is to motivate young people to be outstanding citizens and empower them to act as a positive influence in the community.
Police say the academy provides an opportunity for officers and students to see each other as people, rather than as adversaries. It will also transform the traditional role of the police officer into a mentor and a friend, while encouraging young citizens to be partners in building safer schools and communities.
While the students that attend the academy may not want to become police officers in the future, police say the program instills a confidence and sense of achievement that will benefit them for years to come.
According to police, the Junior Police Academy will cover a multitude of topics including, history of law enforcement, social media, bullying, motor vehicle law, DWI enforcement, teens and drug use, crime scene and evidentiary processing, active shooter scenarios, and a K-9 demonstration.
Police will also begin each day with an hour of light physical training and military drill.
Applications will be available at the Evesham Township Police Department between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The applications will also be available online for download at www.eveshampd.org.
The space is limited to 20 participants. Completed applications must be turned into the police department in person by the deadline of June 1.
The department will have two separate academy weeks. The first week will be held July 17 to July 21, and the second week will be held July 24 to July 28.
The academy will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Recruits are only permitted to attend one week of academy. Spots are limited to 20 per class and will be filled as the applications are submitted and approved by department staff.
There is no cost for the program, but all recruits must be accepted through the application process:
-Must be a resident of Evesham Township
-Must be 11 to 14 years old (as of July 1)
-Must be recommended by a sponsor (principal / guidance department, law enforcement agency, a community representative, coach, or religious leader.)
-Must be in good academic standing
-Must be able to participate in physical fitness activities (push-ups, sit-ups, light calisthenics, etc.)
-Must be able to participate in a structured program
-Have no criminal background or disciplinary problems which may preclude him/her from successful participation in the academy
For more information on the Evesham Township Police Department Junior Police Academy, contact Lt. Ron Ritter via email at ritterr@eveshampd.org, Officer Christine Schmidt at schmidtc@eveshampd.org or Officer Jessica Lettieri at lettierij@eveshampd.org.
Those interested may also reach out by telephone at (856)983–1116.
