Youth Academy

Applications for the 2024 Youth Academy will be accepted beginning March 1, 2024, through April 1, 2024


The Summit Police Department Summer Youth Academy provides area youth with an opportunity to develop an understanding of the role of the police officer in the community. Modeled after actual Police Academy curriculum, recruits undergo physical training, drill and ceremony training, instruction in criminal investigation techniques, and evidence recovery and patrol practices. Cadets visit the Union County Police Academy and attend demonstrations from the Union County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, Union County S.W.A.T. Team and Bomb Squad.

Two, one-week sessions will be held from July 15 to July 19, 2024, and July 22 to July 26, 2024, from 8AM to 3PM daily and are open to children ages 11 to 14.

flyer with information on 2024 police department Youth Academy

Cadets are provided an official Summit Police Youth Academy uniform to wear during the session. Upon successful completion of the program, cadets participate in a graduation ceremony and receive a certificate of completion, official Summit Police Youth Academy patch, and access to a shared drive with photos taken during their session.

Two one-week sessions are held every summer and are open to children ages 11 to 14. Admission to the program is on a rolling basis with preference given to Summit residents who are first time applicants; former recruits and out-of-town applicants may be placed on a waiting list. A limited number of scholarships are available to those experiencing financial hardship.

blue banner that reads how to apply
  1. Fill out the program application, available online, at the Summit Police Department in City Hall (512 Springfield Avenue), and in the main office at Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School (272 Morris Avenue).
  2. Return completed application to the Police Department no later than Monday, April 1.
  3. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance to the program on Monday, April 15. Accepted cadets will be instructed to submit the tuition fee of $125 in the form of a check to the Summit Police Department by Friday, April 19. Any accepted cadets that do not submit payment by April 19 will be moved to the end of the program waiting list.
blue banner with white text that reads contact

Officer David Kotiga                                        Administrative Assistant Lauren Karsen
dkotiga@spdnj.org                                             lkarsen@spdnj.org
(908) 598-2113                                                   (908) 277-9473

Related Documents

Summit Police Department accepting applications for 2023 Summer Youth Academy March 1 through April 1 - February 15, 2023 News Release

2023 Application

2023 Program flyer

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