Chelmsford Police Department Hosts Inaugural Youth Police Academy

CHELMSFORD, MA —The Chelmsford Police Department hosted the inaugural Youth Police Academy from July 11-15, as 42 kids — from grades 5th through 8th — learned about police work, played games and performed community service, all while building connections with local officers.

"This academy is an absolute home run for us because one positive interaction with police can change someone for life," Sergeant Nicholas Ziminsky, the academy director, said. "This gives our officers a chance to have positive, and even fun, interactions with community members, and a chance for community members to get to know their police department. This kind of relationship building will pay off for years."

At the academy, Chelmsford police officers and detectives taught students about CPR, radar, drones, crime scene analysis, fingerprinting and Internet safety.

Several special guests performed demonstrations, including: the Massachusetts State Police's Air Wing unit and Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Unit and SWAT team.

Attendees got to examine the SWAT team's helmets, vests and night vision cameras.

Cadets had lessons about diet and physical fitness from Best Fitness, practiced drilling and lining up in formations and played games like Capture the Flag.

For the community service project, cadets and academy leaders cleaned up litter at the Route 110 Chelmsford Little League Complex.

"This has been as successful as it is because of the way Chelmsford Police officers buy in and volunteer their time," said Lieutenant Gary Hannagan, who is also president of the Chelmsford Police Athletic League. "This shows these officers' commitment to youth and the community."

The CPD said the academy was made possible thanks to several community partners, including: Team Flo Jiu Jitsu, Christianson Transportation, Zesty's Pizza, Chelmsford Public Schools, Center Sports and the Front Line Initiative

Chelmsford Police Chief James Spinney also praised his officers who put together the academy.

"This week could not have happened without the selfless dedication of our officers who organized and ran the show, even without previous experience running such an ambitious academy," Spinney said. "Community engagement is a priority for the Chelmsford Police Department, and this academy was a great opportunity to build relationships with community members and to create two-way communication between police and youth."