Junior Police Academy wraps up in Raritan Township with hands-on training for local students
RARITAN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Raritan Township Police Department successfully concluded its annual Junior Police Academy on July 11, following a week-long training program that offered middle school students a hands-on look at the world of law enforcement.
The academy, held from July 7 to July 11, hosted 25 “recruits” — students entering or currently enrolled in seventh and eighth grade — who participated in a structured regimen of physical training, mock scenarios, and educational presentations despite the summer heat and humidity.
“Every year we take applications from students who are in good standing within [the] 7th and 8th grades and give them a taste of what it’s like being a police officer,” said Detective Sergeant Scott Iglay, the department’s school resource officer and academy coordinator.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in simulated motor vehicle stops, mock accident responses including vehicle extractions, crime scene processing, search demonstrations, and detainment techniques. They also received instruction from several first responder agencies.
Guest presenters included members of the New Jersey State Police Aviation and Polygraph Units, the New Jersey Department of Corrections K9 Unit, the Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad, the Raritan Township Fire Company, and the Hunterdon County SWAT Team, which hosted a laser tag tactical challenge.
In addition to law enforcement activities, recruits toured the New Jersey State Museum and the Historic Courthouse in Flemington Borough, the site of the famous Lindbergh baby kidnapping trial.
The week concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by family members, during which each student received a certificate of completion.
The program is designed to foster interest in law enforcement and community service careers among local youth. For more information about the Junior Police Academy, contact Det. Sgt. Iglay at siglay@raritantwppolice.org.
