Program Introduces Youths to Law Enforcement

The Somerset County Police Academy will be holding a five-day Police Youth Week to introduce high school youths to a career in law enforcement and to develop positive interaction between students and members of the law enforcement community.

The free program will be held from July 23 to 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Somerset Emergency Services Training Academy on Roycefield Road in Hillsboorugh.

The program is modeled after the Somerset County Police Academy Recruit Training Program, according to directory Dr. Richard Celeste. Instruction will be provided by academy staff members and police officers from participating local departments.

According to a release provided by the academy, participation in Police Youth Week will provide attending students with an overview of various components of the criminal justice field. It will be conducted through both classroom and practical-based exercises, providing the student with not only an academic understanding but also a “hands-on” experience.

The program changes every year and is based on a four-year curriculum to encourage the student to participate in the program the following year. However, due to the course design, it is not necessary to attend a previous year in order to attend a following year program. 

The program is open to students who are residents of Somerset County or enrolled in a secondary school within the county and are at least entering ninth grade. 

The program is being sponsored by the Somerset County Chiefs of Police Association, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office.

To register for the free program, candidates can download a registration form at www.scpo.net. Registration forms must be received by June 15.