Gradeschool Cops: Hoboken Kids Learn At 'Junior Police Academy'

HOBOKEN, NJ — From police dogs to the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Livingston kids learned a lot about law enforcement in a special annual "Junior Police Academy" this summer.

The city of Hoboken, the Hoboken Public Safety Department, and the Hoboken Police Department sponsored this year's Junior Police Academy.

The week-long academy ran the week of July 10 through July 14 this summer. Twenty children ages 10 through 15, from Hoboken and Hudson County, went through the program and graduated on Friday, July 14. The academy is free for all and is sponsored by the Hoboken Police Department.

“The Hoboken Junior Police Academy helps unite today's youth and law enforcement officers,” said Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar. “It also provides the young participants with a week of structure, education, and we hope some fun, all while introducing them to a possible career in law enforcement.”

This year, recruits took part in daily physical training exercises and drills, drone, self-defense, and robotics demonstrations, and a visit to the Hudson County Police Academy.

They also met the Jersey City Police Department’s K-9 officers, heard from investigators with the Hudson County Prosecutors Office, and learned about first aid and blood controlling techniques with the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

"All the officers at Junior Police Academy taught me well, and I hope to see them again next year, now that I know how much fun it is and how much discipline is required," said 11-year-old
Dax Cohen, who is a rising sixth grader at Hoboken Middle School. "Physical training was my favorite part, along with Ms. Sandy Shaw's lesson on how to stop bleeding with a tourniquet."

"Dax was excited, but admittedly also a bit nervous going into the Junior Police Academy, but after day one, and every day following, he came home with enthusiasm and excitement telling and showing us everything he learned and did," said Dax's mom Kara Cohen. "Dax walked away with a deeper understanding of the many facets of law enforcement, as well as an increased self confidence in what he is capable of both physically and mentally."

She added, "We are especially appreciative of the improved sense of respect and discipline he gained during JPA, although we will see how long that sticks around at home."

This year’s Junior Police Academy staff included Lt. Edmond Drishti, Sgt. Christopher LaBruno, Officer Anthony Fesken, and Officer Robert Truppner, Ret.

To learn more about the Hoboken Junior Police Academy and see a highlight video from this year's successful event, head to: https://hobokenpdnj.gov/junior-police-academy/.