New Milford Junior Police Academy Accepting Applications

The is hosting its ninth annual Junior Police Academy from June 25 to June 29 at the field behind the . The academy is open to all students ages 11 to 14. The one week course includes daily physical training sessions, exercises in marching formation, group team building exercises and trips to military and police academies. 

Last year’s academy was the largest to date, according to police officer Keith Wester, who coordinates the Junior Police Academy and serves as the SRO Officer at . 

In addition to physical fitness activities, the academy is centered around building a positive relationship between the New Milford Police Department and the youth of the community. Wester, and the other police officers who assist him, encourage the students to take pride in themselves, teach them the importance of being a strong effective leader, stress the value of a strong team and the importance of each member's contribution to that team. 

"The academy is run like a boot camp," Wester said. "We instill discipline as well as leadership and cooperation among the students."

"Most importantly," Wester said, "we focus on how teamwork is vital for achieving success."

"We teach the students that their teams are only as strong as their weakest member," he said. 

"We want the students to learn the importance of making good choices," Wester said. "Being part of a team helps them to do this."

Wester said that the program strives to re-enforce the core values that build good character and gives the students the tools to build within themselves discipline, confidence, motivation and respect for themselves, as well as for others.

The academy also serves as a building block in forming a solid community partnership between young citizens and members of the police force.  

Over the course of the week the students will have the opportunity to visit West Point Military Academy, the United States Coast Guard, take in a New Jersey Jackals game, visit the Bergen County Police Academy and spend a day at the New Milford Swim Club. 

Wester said that at the end of the week the students walk away with a better understanding of the functions of the New Milford Police Department and law enforcement, as well as a better understanding of their own strengths as leaders.

The cost of the academy is $30 for the week and includes all trips. The program begins at 8:30am and runs until 3:00pm. Checks can be made out to: New Milford Junior Police Academy and sent to: Police Officer Keith Wester, David E. Owens Middle School, 470 Marion Ave., New Milford, NJ 07646.