SOUTH RIVER, NJ — The South River Police Department announced it will hold its 16th annual Junior Police Academy this summer for local students entering grades 6 through 8 in the fall.
The five-day program will run from June 23 to June 27 at South River High School, with daily instruction from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taught by South River Police Officers, the academy is designed to give middle school students a firsthand look at law enforcement operations.
Participants will use police radios, investigate simulated crime scenes, learn about criminal and motor vehicle laws, collect evidence, conduct mock traffic stops, and tour a jail facility. Past academies have featured trips to the New Jersey State Police Museum, a working forensic lab, and an actual police training facility.
Applications for the program are available at South River Police Headquarters starting Monday, May 5. Interested families can pick them up on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. All applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, May 19.
“Cadets will be chosen on a first come first serve basis,” the department stated in its announcement. Class size is capped at 20 participants, and returning cadets are not guaranteed placement over new applicants.
Officer Danielle Stone is the point of contact for questions and may be reached at 732-254-1150 ext. 136.
South River Police are offering students an inside look at law enforcement through a five-day Junior Police Academy in June.