Inside the Summit Police Youth Academy (Photos)

The cadets experience the same types of drills and physical training that the men and women receive in today’s police academies. In addition to receiving overviews of criminal investigations, evidence recovery and patrol tactics, the cadets are provided with hands on scenario training in which they process crime scenes, conduct high risk motor vehicle stops and even have an opportunity to experience some of the difficulties of emergency vehicle operation by driving golf carts alongside their instructor.

During their visit to the John H. Stamler Police Academy in Scotch Plains the cadets utilize the same obstacle course used by police recruits, receive unarmed defense instruction and undergo firearms simulator training which demonstrates the split-second decisions that police officers must frequently make. The cadets also attend demonstrations from various specialized units that are available to law enforcement, such as the Union County K-9 Unit, SWAT team, Bomb Squad and the Summit Fire Department.