Skip to main content
Police
Chief of Police Officer Goodell Scholarship Project Medicine Drop Pistol Range Firearms NJ Car Seat Law Operation Reassurance Residential Street Parking Motor Vehicle Accident Reports School Traffic Guard Police Annual Reports Daniel's Law Policies, Forms and Documents Internal Affairs Unit and File a Complaint L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) Junior Police Academy
General Information
Staff Directory
Chief of Police
Troy E. Seifert
tseifert@waldwicknj.gov
Phone Numbers
Non-Emergency: 201-652-5700
Fax: 201-652-7638
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
15 E. Prospect Street
Waldwick,
NJ
07463
Get Directions

Follow Us

Junior Police Academy

Home
>
Groups
>
Police
>
Junior Police Academy
JPA 2026 _edited2026 Junior Police Academy Video

Class of 2026 Video

About the Academy

The Waldwick Police Department Junior Police Academy provides an exciting and educational opportunity for Waldwick students entering the 6th grade. The weeklong summer program is designed to introduce recruits to the responsibilities, values, and teamwork that are essential to a career in law enforcement.

Program Mission

The Junior Police Academy focuses on developing the core values of:

  • Respect

  • Discipline

  • Teamwork

  • Motivation

  • Dedication

Through classroom instruction, lectures, hands-on activities, and physical training, recruits will gain a better understanding of the laws that govern our state and the legal process that protects our citizens.

The program also encourages positive relationships between the youth of Waldwick and their police officers by creating opportunities for recruits to interact with members of the Waldwick Police Department and develop lasting friendships built on trust and respect.

JPA ClassroomJPA Field

Learning Through Experience

Throughout the week, recruits will interact with officers from the Waldwick Police Department and members of other law enforcement and emergency service agencies.

The Academy emphasizes:

  • Teamwork and cooperation

  • Leadership and responsibility

  • Community service

  • Understanding the role of law enforcement

Recruits will observe how different agencies work together to protect and serve the community.

Previous Junior Police Academy classes have participated in educational trips, including visits to MetLife, Newark Liberty International Airport, the United States Military Academy at West Point, as well as a tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island led by members of the United States National Park Police.

JPA Statue of LibertyJPA Stewart Airforce Base_2_768

A Week Like a Real Police Academy

The Waldwick Junior Police Academy operates in a similar manner to the Bergen County Police Academy.

Each day begins with a morning assembly that includes:

  • Academy roll call

  • The Pledge of Allegiance

  • Review of the daily schedule and activities

Recruits will wear an academy uniform consisting of a Junior Police Academy t-shirt and black or navy shorts, creating a sense of teamwork, pride, and commitment throughout the program.

Program Activities

The week-long curriculum includes:

  • Law enforcement presentations

  • Hands-on demonstrations

  • Physical training activities

  • Team-building exercises

  • Educational experiences with public safety professionals

Recruits will learn about the many different roles involved in protecting and serving our community.

Participating agencies have included:

  • Bergen County SWAT Team

  • K-9 Unit

  • Bergen County Sheriff's Department

  • Waldwick Volunteer Ambulance Corps

  • Waldwick Volunteer Fire Department

  • Other law enforcement and emergency service agencies

JPA SwatJPA helicopter

Building Future Leaders

The Junior Police Academy gives students a unique opportunity to experience the teamwork, discipline, and dedication required of police officers while gaining a greater appreciation for the important role public safety professionals play in our community.

Graduation Ceremony

The Academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony recognizing the accomplishments, commitment, and dedication of each recruit.

Family members, community leaders, and members of the Waldwick Police Department will join together to celebrate the successful completion of the program.

Any questions regarding the Academy may be directed toward:

P.O. Connor Walsh at cwalsh@waldwicknj.org

or

Det. TJ Palaia at tpalaia@waldwicknj.org