Crime & Safety

Bergen Teens Learn Lessons in Law Enforcement

County Youth Academy wraps up Friday

Tuesday, a group of about 100 high school students from around Bergen County will return to the Bergen County Youth Police Academy for the tail end of a two week 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.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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.

Find out what's happening in Wyckoffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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,” said Richard Potenza, a 15-year-old attending the program with his two brothers.

“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.

Thought official plans aren't set in stone yet, look for the Bergen County Youth Police Academy to return next summer.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.