The weeklong, Union City Police Department’s Junior Police Academy got underway on Monday with a presentation from the FBI’s Newark Field Office and a demonstration by the Union City Police Department’s motorcycle squad.
This summer event has been going on for years. While the number of 7th and 8th graders taking part this year is down from previous summers, there are many kids back for a second time. There’s even one 15-year old girl back for a fourth time. As the years have gone on, more and more girls are participating in the event.
The week brings various law enforcement guest speakers, each teaching the kids what the basic skills are to pursue a career in law enforcement, whether it be a police officer, an FBI agent, a corrections officer or anyone working in a law enforcement profession.
On Tuesday the kids are scheduled to visit a police firing range. In past years, the state’s medical helicopter made an appearance. Everything is designed to allow the kids to decide whether careers in some aspect of law enforcement are what they want to pursue following college.
This year’s Academy was under the coordination of P.O. Juliette Crespo, a graduate of Union City High School. The Academy is being held at the Jose Marti STEM Academy.