PROGRAM OVERVIEW

     The Law Enforcement Exploring Career Training Academy is a program designed for young men and women to explore a career in law enforcement. It is a residential 6-day, 5-night program, held annually in July. Unlike other careers, law enforcement does not afford the opportunity of internships. Our program is designed to afford high school aged youth an opportunity to see what law enforcement is all about. Youth are taught by certified instructors who have expertise in the field in which they teach. Program instruction is given via written, hands-on, and practical applications, all under the watchful eyes of qualified adult law enforcement personnel.  Youth participants at the Academy are all registered members of local Law Enforcement Exploring Posts from throughout New Jersey. Exploring is a division of the Boy Scouts of America, falling under the Learning for Life program classification. These local youth train throughout the year both academically and physically to prepare for the Academy. The Academy is broken down into four phases of participation. To become a graduate of the program, a participant must complete all four phases. A participant can only participate in one phase each year, therefore to become a graduate it is a four year commitment to the program. To date, we have over 100 graduates of the program that are currently employed in the field of law enforcement.

HISTORY

    The Law Enforcement Exploring Career Training Academy was originally started in the early 1980’s, as an opportunity for local Explorer Posts from throughout New Jersey to get together. From a small cluster of 20 youth participants, the program has now grown to having over 100 youth participate annually. During the growth, the quality of instruction has also increased greatly. The cooperation of local, county, and state police departments affords us the opportunity to cover a broad scope of instructional areas with qualified adult instructors.

ANITICPATED OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM

    The overall goal of the Law Enforcement Career Training Academy is to provide youth an insight into law enforcement as a career. However, the training they receive includes many life-skills that can applied towards any career path they choose. During their participation in the Academy, youth learn about diversity by interacting with other youth from different social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Often times, they are required to work together to complete a common task. Youth are encouraged to develop a personal code of ethics, with an emphasis on decision making and personal choices. Each choice they make has a consequence, either positive or negative, and the ramifications of each choice is discussed. Regardless of their background, each youth is treated as an individual, as well as part of a team. As a team member, the actions of one impacts the entire team, therefore reemphasizing the choices and consequences theme.The residential component of the Academy adds many dimensions to the lives of the youth participants. Free time enhances the development of social skills, as the interaction amongst youth is no longer curriculum - based. Activities such as basketball, swimming, and volleyball are available to the youth. We also offer scheduled free-time events such as a welcome reception, barbecue with a DJ, and movie nights in the lounge. Although all activities are monitored and supervised, the nature of the program does promote self-responsibility as well. Participants need to include study time, showering, and washing their own clothes into their free time plans. As high school students, this is often their first dose of self-independence; mom and dad are not there to tend to their needs. Although adult staff members are always available for assistance and guidance, the ultimate responsibility falls upon the youth to complete their necessary tasks. While the focus is on potential careers in law enforcement, our program aims to develop a well rounded youth; developing a foundation for them to build the rest of their lives upon.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ACADEMY PARTICPANT

5:30 am Outdoor formation & roll call

6:00 am Physical training, calisthenics

7:00 am Drill Instruction, Marching, cool down

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Morning sessions of training and instruction begin

1:00 pm Lunch

2:00 pm Afternoon sessions of training and instruction begin

5:00 pm Physical agility testing

6:00 pm Dinner

7:00 pm Free time

9:00 pm All participants in rooms

9:30 pm Lights out

THE PHASES

PHASE 1

    First time attendees at the Academy. Is primarily an introduction to law enforcement as a career. Will do mostly in-class instruction in various areas of Law Enforcement such as radio procedures, ethics, and report writing. Are tested on the coursework daily. Participants compete in the areas of highest academic score and physical training (male and female).

PHASE 2

    Emphasis is on decision making, leadership, independent thought, and diplomacy skills. Instruction is both academic and hands-on. Participants compete in several hands-on activities such as motor vehicle stops, arrest procedures, report writing, and search & seizure. Participants also compete in physical training (male & female).

 PHASE 3

      Serves as a simulated Academy Police Department. Will use the skills taught previously and apply them to selected scenarios. Participants respond to radio calls, make choices on the proper procedures (e.g. arrest vs. summons) and have their choice reviewed at the end of a shift. Arrests are followed up by appearing in court, as an actual police officer would. Participants compete in such areas as leadership skills, arrest procedures, and report writing. Allows youth to portray “a day in the life of a police officer” in a controlled environment.

PHASE 4

    Strictly academic program. Prepares youth for the final steps to a career in law enforcement. Resume witting, interview skills, and how to dress for interviews are covered in this phase. Interviews with actual Chiefs of Police are conducted, preparing attendees for that portion of the hiring process. Team building and leadership skills are emphasized, and exercises are offered in each. Participants compete in physical training (male & female) as well as to be honored as the “candidate of choice”, who is responsible to give a speech at the graduation ceremony.

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