Croton Police Pay It Forward

Three Croton seniors are getting the opportunity to see what a career in law enforcement would be like.

The high school students are taking part in the six-week-long Youth Police Academy internship program. 

The Academy was established about six years ago by North Castle Detective Frank Kolarik. This year six local departments are working together to run the program, including the Croton-on-Hudson Police Department.

Det. Cliff Gabrielsen is responsible for Croton’s contribution to the Youth Police Academy. “For those high school seniors who have some intention of going into law enforcement, this internship gives them the opportunity to get as close to law enforcement as they possibly can,” said Gabrielsen.

During the first four weeks of the program the students begin their day at 8 a.m. with physical training. Around 10 a.m. the teens go into their classroom at Pace University and learn about law enforcement. 

Throughout the course they take multiple field trips to places such as the County Courthouse, a police lab and a local police department. The students also get an education in criminal justice from lawyers, judges and even a retired FBI agent.  During the final two weeks of the training program the students ride along with area police officers. “It gives them the opportunity to experience all different aspects of it—and gives them the ability to make a decision—whether this is something they want to continue with,” said Gabrielsen.

There are about 30 students from 11 Westchester schools taking part in the program. Gabrielsen says most of the students in the program are interested in pursuing a law enforcement career when they graduate. “It’s a very rewarding experience. Especially when they realize at the end what they have been able to accomplish, whether it’s been physical… or just the camaraderie they’ve built with other high school students from the Westchester area.”

The program concludes June 10 with a graduation ceremony at Mercy College.