(Cherry Hill, N.J.) – Mayor Chuck Cahn and Police Chief Bud Monaghan are excited to announce the Cherry Hill Police Department’s inaugural Junior Police Academy, from July 20-24 at the Township’s Municipal Complex, 820 Mercer St.
Open to Cherry Hill residents ages 11-14, the program gives children with an interest in law enforcement and public service a realistic look at the challenges and responsibilities of police work, while helping to build a positive relationship between Cherry Hill Police officers and young members of the community.
“I believe that this academy will be a rewarding experience for both the children and officers who participate,” Chief Monaghan said. “We want to open our doors to the community that we serve and develop long-lasting relationships between the children of Cherry Hill and the Police.”
Participants will explore firsthand various aspects of law enforcement, with a curriculum developed by the Department that will emphasize the importance of qualities such as physical fitness, staying drug free, teamwork and respect. The program will run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Activities throughout the week will include lessons in drill and ceremony, physical training, school safety and bullying, drug awareness, traffic safety, an introduction to special units, crime scene processing and fingerprinting and first aid. Participants will also tour the juvenile detention center and Cherry Hill Fire Department Central Command. The week will conclude with a formal graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.
“This is an exciting, unique opportunity for young people in our community to learn about and meet members of the Cherry Hill Police Department, and to have fun while exploring careers in police service and local government,” Mayor Cahn said. “The Junior Police Academy will be an exciting and enriching opportunity for all involved, and we’re proud to offer it to the residents of Cherry Hill.”
Registration is $125 per person, and will include lunch each day. Spots are limited; registration is now open. To download the full application packet and learn more, click here.
For more information or for questions, call (856) 488-7868 or e-mail Recreation@chtownship.com.