Officials say the program offers quality education on safety, fire and law enforcement.
Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield has announced classes will begin for her department’s “Youth Police Academy” on Saturday, March 10. The first session of the program will take place during the course of three consecutive Saturdays, ending on March 24 with a graduation ceremony.
The program is free and open to all children in the county ages 7 to 12.
“The Sheriff’s Department is excited to announce the continuation of this annual course which provides children of Burlington County a quality education on safety, fire, and law enforcement subjects through our Youth Police Academy,” Stanfield said. “Our Youth Police Academy introduces students to the field of law enforcement. Participants will familiarize themselves with the teamwork involved in effective law enforcement, how to apply the skills they learn from the course and help make their communities safer.”
The program, which focuses on safety issues important to youth, is free and covers topics such as:
· Avoiding Abduction
· Fire Safety
· Gun Safety
· Police Canine (K9)
· Emergency Vehicles
· SWAT Demonstration
Participants will also be able to get behind the wheel of pedal carts while wearing Fatal Vision goggles. The goggles mimic the effects that drugs and alcohol have on hand-eye coordination and let the wearer experience first-hand the dangers of impaired driving.
“Just like the Police and Teens Together program, the Youth Police Academy provides an opportunity for youth and officers to connect and build stronger, positive relationships,” Stanfield said.
Those interested in attending should call the Sheriff’s Community Services Unit at (609) 265–3788. The classes will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Human Services Building located at 795 Woodlane Road in Westampton. Morning snacks are provided on each of the Saturday mornings.
