Wyckoff Youth Police Academy Fills Up Fast, But 2 Other Free Academies Still Open

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Wyckoff's free Junior Police Academy for rising sixth and seventh graders filled up within a few hours of their opening applications, the police said this week. But there are other local free academies that children and adults can join.

"It's a new record!!" the police wrote on social media. "All spots for the JPA were filled by 7:03AM!! At this time we are no longer accepting additional applications. By next week you will receive an email if you are accepted to the academy or placed on the wait list. Thank you all."

(The Wyckoff Police Department has also announced a citizens' police academy for adults. Get information and fill out the form here.)

Those who didn't get a spot in the Wyckoff youth academy can always try for the county version. Bergen County runs a free academy for teens for two weeks in the summer. It's now accepting applications. See the details below.

Bergen County Youth Police Academy

Do you have a teen who's interested in learning more about police work and law enforcement?

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Bergen County Sheriff’s Office are now accepting applications for the Bergen County Youth Police Academy Class No. 19.

The Academy is a two-week program that is offered to Bergen County young men and women entering the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grades. There is no charge to attend the program.

The program is funded with money forfeited from criminal enterprises.

This year’s Academy will run from July 7-18.

The motto of the Bergen County Youth Police Academy is “Honor – Respect – Commitment.” The objective is to educate the cadets about public service including law enforcement, the judiciary, emergency services, and county government.

“Youth Academy is a unique opportunity for young people to focus on strengthening their life skills of self-respect, respect of others, teamwork, and commitment to one’s goals,” stated Prosecutor Mark Musella. “Staffed by law enforcement professionals from both the Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office, the Academy provides high school students with a real understanding of what police academy cadets experience.”

The curriculum will consist of interactive educational activities as well as physical training activities.

Field Trips And Presentations

Daily programs include presentations from law enforcement professionals, interaction with county, state, and federal agencies, and field trips.

“Through hands-on experiences and educational sessions, participants gain insight into the importance of community relations, government operations, and interagency collaboration,” said Sheriff Anthony Cureton. “The program also emphasizes leadership development, equipping students with essential skills to become responsible and engaged members of their communities.”

Application forms are available at local high schools, police departments, or online at www.BCPO.net/youthacademy and must be submitted by Friday, April 25, 2025. Space is limited.

If you have any questions, contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Community Engagement Division at 201-226-5511, or outreach@bcpo.net.