Junior recruits of the Berlin Borough Junior Police Academy stand in front of a SWAT vehicle, among the specialized equipment they were introduced to by the Lower Camden County Special Response Team.
The week-long Berlin Borough Junior Police Academy that began on June 24 offered youngsters a glimpse into the daily responsibilities and operations of police, with hands-on activities, demonstrations and interactions with law-enforcement units.
The academy’s 2024 recruits began their sessions with introductions to borough officers; toured the police department; and engaged in physical training, including a military drill and ceremony. The recruits were organized into squads with assigned leaders, learned to march and were introduced to basic police procedures and equipment.
“It was important for our agency to bring back the Junior Police Academy last year, the first year back since the COVID pandemic,” said Chief Michael Scheer. “The class of 2024 was the seventh overall graduation class we have had graduate from the … academy. The lead instructor – Det. Ashton Pohlig – and assisting officers have done a phenomenal job with our young recruits.
“Without the dedication of the Berlin police officers, the junior academy would not be possible.”
On their second day, recruits focused on investigative tactics; they extracted mock evidence, took photographs, donned gloves and learned the basics of crime scene processing. They also were introduced to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, where they learned about the roles and training of police dogs and their partners.
Academy participants met members of the Lower Camden County Special Response Team on their third day and got a look at vehicles and equipment. The Camden County Bomb Squad highlighted tactics used in bomb detection and disposal, with interactive sessions explaining the critical roles those units play in ensuring safety.
The fourth day was the busiest and most diverse day of the academy week. The recruits started with a visit to Berlin Fire Company No.1 after being transported by the Berlin Department of Public Works. They explored fire trucks and equipment got to try some firefighting tools.
The session included a meet and greet with Berlin EMS, where the recruits learned about patient care and lifesaving techniques. They also visited the borough’s Primal Kickboxing USA for lessons in defensive tactics and additional physical conditioning that emphasized the importance of fitness and self-defense.
The day concluded with a visit to M Rosenblatt Roofing and Siding, primary sponsor of the session, whose owner purchased uniforms for the recruits.
Berlin police, including Scheer, described the Junior Police Academy 2024 as a success.
“It is very important for our youth to have positive interactions with law enforcement and obtain a small glimpse of what the profession could entail,” he observed. “We hope some of the young recruits who have graduated from our academies choose law enforcement as a career path for their future.”
He also thanked emergency services for their help during the academy, specifically the Berlin Fire Company and EMS and the sheriff’s department.
