2024 Junior Police Academy
Recruit Class #21
Monday, July 8th–19th, 2024
This year is the 21st Annual Junior Police Academy. This program has established a strong foundation over the years as a long-term support for police and community relationship building.
The annual Junior Police Academy is a 2-week program again this year, held at Ramapo Ridge Middle School, consisting of hands-on activities, physical training, lectures, and presentations by law enforcement and first responder professionals. The approximate hours will be 8:30am – 3:00pm.
For 2024 the JPA has been opened to students entering 6th, 7th, OR 8th grade in September!
Mission Statement
To enable dedicated youth to become self-assured, caring and disciplined adults in a challenging environment and to instill confidence and courage in the legal process and the officers sworn to serve and protect the community. Through classroom instruction, lectures, field trips and physical training, we will foster in each recruit the ability to approach police officers and nourish a friendship between the youth of the township and its Police Officers.
2023 JPA Photo Gallery
“Respect, Discipline and Honesty”
BELOW ARE SOME DETAILS BASED ON PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE JPA!
Background
The Mahwah Junior Police Academy (JPA) is a summer program dedicated to exposing the children of Mahwah to the rigors of training to become a real police officer. The academy is open to all Mahwah students that successfully complete the 5th grade DARE program this school year. The JPA provides participants with a challenging and meaningful adventure camp experience while building an understanding of policing techniques, police policy and procedure, leadership ethics, teamwork, and effective communication.
It introduces recruits to techniques used by law enforcement when making arrests for drunk driving, conducting searches and fingerprinting. Recruits also are exposed to how police treat high speed tactical car chases, by accompanying officers driving on a closed track. A high impact part of the program simulates the dangerous experience of driving under the influence of alcohol. Recruits, accompanied by an officer, drive a golf cart while wearing special goggles which simulate the distorting, confusing images a drunk driver experiences, giving recruits a first hand view of the risks in driving under the influence of alcohol.
Recruits wear uniforms, are responsible to arrive on time daily and are expected to take notes on their training and experiences. Field trips to the Military Academy at West Point, the US Coast Guard Station in Staten Island, NY and the Bergen County Police Academy are used to show recruits institutions where respect, discipline and honor are embedded in the daily activities.
Staff to student ratio
Recruit health and safety is our primary concern. The staff are all qualified and trained Police Officers from the Mahwah Police Department providing each camper with a safe and rewarding experience. The Officer-to-Recruit ratio is 1:15 or better to ensure maximum supervision.
““Working together toward one common goal”
is the theme of every academy day. The students will join the academy as 200+ individuals… and end the two weeks as one team.”
Objectives
Started in 2001, the objective of the Junior Academy is to promote an environment where the students learn the basic principles of respect, discipline, team work, motivation, and dedication to a “greater cause” through a rigorous program of physical training and military style experiences. Each student will gain a comprehensive understanding of the laws that govern our country, and the legal processes that protects our citizens.
The essential focus is to build confidence and the students ability to deal positively with tough, social situations. Additionally, the program works to present law enforcement in a positive role.
Target Audience
The Mahwah Junior Police Academy is targeted at Mahwah resident students (recruits) entering the 6th, 7th or 8th grade the following September. Preferably, those who have completed the first year of the Mahwah Substance Abuse Program.
Approximately, 200 children have participated annually in this program.
Participant Cost
The program requires a $275 fee for each participant.
PAST Junior Police Academy leaders were:
Commanding Officer/Officer In Charge - Officer David Sinisi
Executive Officer - Officer Rob Rapp
Administrative Support - Det/Lt. Guido Bussinelli
Officer Support - Det. Gerald Falotico & Det. Michael Grassi
Alpha Platoon Commander - Officer Michael Jack
Bravo Platoon Commander - Officer Robert Birney
Charlie Platoon Commander - Officer Matthew Buonocore
Delta Platoon Commander - Officer Sean Hayes
Echo Platoon Commander - Officer David Vega
Foxtrot Platoon Commander (Jr. Recruits) - Officer Russell Read
Golf Platoon Commader (Sr. Recruits) - TBD
Medical Director - Michael Migliaccio EMT
Medical Support - Officer Matthew Buonocore & Det. Michael Grassi