Burlington County Sheriff Anthony Basantis announced the next round of classes for the department’s Youth Police Academy.
The first session of the program, which provides an opportunity for youth and officers to connect and build stronger, positive relationships, will take place on March 14. Classes are scheduled over the course of three consecutive Saturday’s, ending on March 28 with a graduation ceremony.
The program is free and open to children aged 10 to 12 years old.
“It’s a great opportunity for our community’s youth to participate in a quality education on safety, and law enforcement subjects.” said Basantis. “The Police Youth 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:
- Internet safety, central communications presentation, peer pressure/bullying, gun safety, police canine (K-9), emergency vehicles and S.W.A.T. 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 Amber Barcliff at (609) 265-3788 or email [email protected]. The classes will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Emergency Services Training Center (53 Academy Drive, Westampton). Morning snacks are provided on each of the Saturday mornings.
