Officials say the program offers quality education on safety, fire and law enforcement.
Burlington County Sheriff Jean Stanfield has announced the next round of classes for her department’s Youth Police Academy.
The first session of the program, which officials say provides an opportunity for youth and officers to connect and build stronger, positive relationships, will take place on Saturday, March 23.
Classes are scheduled over the course of three consecutive Saturdays, ending on April 6 with a graduation ceremony.
The program is free and open to children ages 10 to 12 years old.
“With the popularity of this program, the Sheriff’s Department is proud to extend it to even more youth in the community,” Stanfield said. “This is a fantastic opportunity to participate in a quality education on safety, fire, and law enforcement subjects.”
Stanfield said the 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,” Stanfield said.
The program, which focuses on safety issues important to youth, is free and covers topics such as:
- Internet Safety
- Central Communications Presentation
- Peer Pressure/Bullying
- Gun Safety
- Police K-9s
- 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.
Those interested in attending should call Autumn Maybury at (609) 265–3788 or email [email protected].
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.
