'Boros' Youth Police Academy' Offered In Three Communities

WESTBOROUGH, MA—For the first time, Westborough, Southborough and Northborough Police Departments are joining together to offer a Youth Police Academy, dubbed the "Boros' Youth Police Academy."

It'll take place from July 30 through Aug. 3, 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., at Gibbons School in Westborough. The program is available to ages 12-15 and it costs $50 for the week.

Space is very limited on this program.

The Youth Academy is a week of drills and challenges ranging from physical fitness to public speaking, according to the announcement. Cadets are given orders in a structured environment and provided lessons on the importance of following rules.

“We’re not teaching kids how to be police officers,” Officer Kevin Landry said in a statement. “we’re teaching them leadership, teamwork, and responsibility.”

“I hope they’re learning to be become better adults,” Officer Richard Mattioli said of participants in the department’s annual Junior Police Academy, in a statement. “I hope they’re building positive connections.”

Mattioli said a good number of kids return to the program year-after-year. When they age out, some return to volunteer as team leaders.

Officers share stories of the lives that were touched, or even changed, by attending this academy.

In addition to drills and obstacle courses, cadets learn about special topics such as international terrorism, crime scene investigation, Internet safety, and self defense.

Questions, contact Kevin Landry of Southborough Police Department by email. Click here for his email.

Click here to fill out the registration form online, then print it out, sign it, include a check for $50 and mail to:

The Boros' Youth Police Academy
PO Box 1123
Westborough, MA 01581

Or, drop off the form at WPD 2400 Computer Drive Westborough, MA 01581.

Photo via Westborough Police Department