Youths Participate In Makeshift Police Academy

Young people participating in the Southampton Town Police Explorer Program recently experienced the real deal—a youth academy that mimics actual police academy training.Two separate weeklong academies took place from July 6 through 10, and August 10 through 14. They exposed participants to a variety of police techniques.

“They do exactly what we do when we go to the academy—physical training, defensive tactics, classroom training to learn about the law. And they also did drills, because we do,” said Town Police Lieutenant Susan Ralph. “They go through inspection, where the officers check their uniforms and the shininess of their shoes,” she added, emphasizing that the academy follows real police academy guidelines.

The young adults, ages 14 to 20, also get to spend time with some of the different police units, including crime scene, canine, aviation, bomb squad and emergency services. They even visit the emergency vehicles operations course for tips on how to drive in an emergency situation.

At the end of the week, participants must pass both an academic test and a physical fitness test in order to graduate from the youth academy.

“It is very intense,” Lt. Ralph said. “You get to see how exhausted they are at the end of the day, but their smiles show how much they accomplished, and their families are so proud of them.”

To get accepted into the Police Explorer Program, young adults must complete an interview and a lengthy application. Lt. Ralph explained that the police department checks with the young people’s schools to ensure that they are up to date on their requirements and are performing well. “This is for kids who hold an academic standard,” she said.

So far, kids from Southampton, Hampton Bays and even East Hampton schools have participated. They all have an interest in pursuing careers in law enforcement.

Two police explorers participated in each academy. Ashley Simons and Michael Fargo from East Hampton and Hampton Bays high schools, respectively, both graduated from the July youth academy. Noely Martinez and Zachary Brochu, from East Hampton and Hampton Bays high schools, respectively, graduated from the August program.

Detective Sergeant Lisa Costa said, “The Explorer Program bridges the gap between the youths in our community and the police by educating and involving them in police operations. And that’s a gap we have a responsibility to close.”