Junior Police Department cadets training to be officers

SEAFORD, DELAWARE– High school students looking to step into law enforcement are getting to train like an officer for the week.

The Junior Youth Police Department is a program designed to integrate cadets into the everyday life of a police officer.

School Resource Officer John Wingate said discipline is what helps the students become self-sufficient.

“We train them in here to clean up after yourself. Don’t leave a mess– they take care of themselves,” Wingate said. “They’re going to wash their clothes; they’re going to do everything for themselves. We don’t want them to need anything from anybody else.”

Breanna Huinace Vicente said the experience is a gateway for a career in criminology.

“I want to major in criminology, which is behavioral analysis,” Huinace Vicente said. “I thought it would be interesting to have a sneak peek of basic training.”

As the students prepare for the academy graduation on Friday, one cadet, Ronald Ruark, said it takes a certain type of strength be a police officer.

“If you become a police officer, you’d know your life is on the line, so I guess it’s a risk I’m willing to take to protect my family and friends.”

To enroll in the annual camp, you can contact a school resource officer or fill out an application at the Seaford police Department.