LAWRENCE, MA — A free summer camp bridges relationships between police officers and young people also is helping to fill the ranks of the Lawrence Police Department.
Some youths who attended the Lawrence Police Junior Cadet Academy in years past are now full-fledged police officers, said police Sgt. Tomas Caraballo.
Caraballo supervises the Lawrence High School resource officers and the junior academy.
“This is my baby,” said Caraballo, who oversaw another successful year of the summer camp academy.
Started two decades ago, the academy is a tuition-free, two-week summer camp that exposes students in grades 7-12 to policing and other law enforcement careers.
Some physical activity, such as pushups and marching, is included, underscoring the “discipline component” of training for a police career.
“We try to make it feel like a real police academy,” he said.
A graduation was held Thursday night, closing out the two-week academy held Monday through Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. This year, 47 students completed the program.
“It’s a great opportunity to connect with youth from across the city,” Caraballo said.
The day before graduation, on July 17, the students were treated to a visit from the Lawrence Police ERT, or Emergency Response Team.
Members of the task force spoke about special operations, equipment and tactics to the cadets. K-9 police officer and ERT member Carlos Aguirre and his dog, Magnus, a Belgian Malinois, demonstrated how they work together in situations and assisting fellow officers.
Students in the academy also learned about the basics of law enforcement, including crime prevention techniques, leadership skills and the importance of community policing. They also learn about the role of police officers in society, ethical decision making, and how to effectively communicate with others.
Additionally, participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on training such as CPR, mock DUI scenarios, and other simulations to better understand the demands and responsibilities of law enforcement careers.
A state trooper and court worker also spoke to the junior academy students.
“It’s a shot in the arm for our Police Department, especially where it helps build bridges with kids. It’s pretty cool to see,” Caraballo said.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter/X @EagleTribJill.
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