2017 JUNIOR POLICE ACADEMY

The Lacey Township Police Department will be hosting a five-day Junior Police Academy beginning on July 10th, 2017 (July 10th, 2017 through July 14th, 2017).   The Junior Police Academy is designed to provide an exciting and challenging training experience for young adults who may be interested in a law enforcement career. Junior recruits will participate in many phases of crime scene investigations, tactical operations, traffic safety, drug awareness and narcotic investigations.  A junior recruit will also be asked to participate in daily physical training and military etiquette.

The requirements for the Junior Police Academy include:

  • The potential recruit must be a Lacey Township Middle School 7th grade graduate entering into the 8th grade
  • The potential recruit shall complete an essay detailing why he or she should be chosen for the Junior Police Academy
  • The potential recruit shall submit a completed application
  • The potential recruit must maintain an outstanding moral and ethical character at all times
  • The potential recruit must demonstrate the willingness to participate in physical training and investigations

Junior Police Academy Process:

The Junior Police Academy will be open to 30 recruits. We anticipate reaching our capacity and will be unable to accommodate all applicants. Therefore, the limited positions we have available will be very competitive. The selection process will include a review of the submitted essays and recommendations from the Lacey Township Middle School Staff. Parents of the selected recruits will receive notification by mail inviting them to a mandatory meeting. The meeting will provide parents and recruits with information pertaining to the rules, regulations, and academy schedule. Additionally, a formal application for the Junior Police Academy will be provided.

Each applicant is required to submit a one page essay explaining his or her desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. Essays must be dropped off at the Lacey Township Police Department, located at 808 W. Lacey Road in Forked River, by April 1st, 2017. Please include name, address, and telephone number.

In conjunction with the law enforcement profession, the selected recruits will be required to wear a daily uniform that will be supplied by the academy. The provided uniforms will include two t-shirts and two athletic shorts. The recruits will be required to wear athletic sneakers each day. A collared graduation shirt will be provided and must be worn with khaki colored pants.

The cost of the Academy is $150 which includes the uniforms, water bottle, daily lunch, graduation shirt, and graduation dinner for three.

The Junior Police Academy graduation ceremony will be held at the Lacey Township High School on July 14th, 2017, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The recruit and two guests are invited to the ceremony where the recruit will be presented with a certificate of graduation. Dinner will be provided for the recruit and their guests immediately following the ceremony.

The training provided to the recruits during the Junior Police Academy will include:

  • Crime Scene Training
  • Court Room Testimony
  • Evidence Collection and Processing
  • Traffic and Criminal Law
  • Arrest, Search, and Seizure
  • Interview and Interrogation
  • Cyber Crimes and Social Media
  • Physical Fitness

Please note that the Lacey Township Junior Police Academy is not a program for “At risk/troubled youth.” An applicant cannot have any previous arrests or disciplinary issues. A recruit must be able to work independently and with other recruits, academy instructors, and police officers. During the Junior Police Academy those who are not able to maintain the high standard of discipline, commitment, and integrity that the academy demands, will be dismissed from the program.

If anyone has any questions in regard to the Lacey Township Junior Police Academy you may contact Detective Lieutenant Christopher Cornelius at 609-693-6636 ext. 2566.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella