Teens From Around the County Learn About Law Enforcement

About 100 high school students from around Bergen County are at the tail end of the the two week Bergen County Youth Police Academy camp.

While this week’s plans include several field trips to places like the Statue of Liberty, US Air Marshals, and Darlington County Park, most of the first week was spent at the Bergen County Law and Public Safety Institute on Campgaw Road in Mahwah. Cadets spent the week involved in different simulated emergency and public service scenarios.

“We really try to give the kids a sample of what it is like to be involved in a bunch of different aspects of law enforcement, firefighting, and other forms of public service,” Maureen Parenta, the Communications Director for the County Prosecutor’s Office, said.

Cadets participated in activities like casing a crime scene, acting as a CSI unit, participating in a mock trial, and using hoses and other fire equipment to put out controlled fires.

Parenta called the camp a “great pooling of the County’s resources,” as it is put on through the combined efforts of the Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff’s Department, and County PD. The Academy is taught by officers from all of the county’s law enforcement departments.

Founded by Prosecutor John Molinelli in 2004, the camp is offered to Bergen teens free of charge. It is funded through funds confiscated from criminal activities.

This year’s class, which was compiled on a first-come, first-serve basis, had about 100 kids on the waiting list.

“We are thinking of becoming police officers when we get older, so when our parents found out about this camp we thought it would be great for us,” Richard Potenza, a 15-year-old Mahwah resident who is attending with his two brothers, said.

“The squad instructors are a lot of fun, and they answer all of the questions that you have. I really think this teaches you to have a better understanding and more respect for what they do,” his 14-year-old brother, Paul, said. 

After this week, cadets will graduate in a ceremony Friday evening in Hackensack.