Youth Police Academy Program Goals

The Old Bridge Police Department is hosting the 2026 Youth Police Academy. The purpose of the Youth Police Academy is to provide young citizens with an introduction to law enforcement. Our goal is to motivate young people to be outstanding citizens and empower them to act as a positive influence in our community. The Academy provides an opportunity for officers and students to see each other as people, rather than as adversaries. It will transform the traditional role of the police officer into a mentor and friend, while encouraging our young citizens to be partners in building safer schools and communities. While the students that attend the academy may not want to become police officers in the future, the program instills a confidence and sense of achievement that will benefit them for years to come.

The Youth Police Academy will cover a multitude of topics which includes but is not limited to social media, Bullying, Motor Vehicle Law, DWI Enforcement, Crime Scene and Evidentiary Processing, Active Shooter Scenarios and a K-9 demonstration. We will begin each day with light physical training and military drills but also have a FUN day at I-Play America!

The Academy will be held at the Old Bridge Township Police Department from July 20-24, 2026, from 8:00 am to approximately 3:00 pm. Spots are limited to 30 applicants and will be filled as the applications are received and approved by our staff. There is a $125.00 fee for the academy, and it will only be accepted via check made payable to the Township of Old Bridge.

Application

Please download the application here Youth Police Academy Application. Submit your completed application, your check payment in the amount of $125.00 made payable to the Township of Old Bridge and addressed to the Old Bridge Police Department, One Old Bridge Plaza, Old Bridge, NJ, 08857 ATTN: Jennifer Gates/Police Administration.

Eligibility Qualifications

The Youth Police Academy will be open to any students entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in September of 2026 who attend a private or public school in Old Bridge, NJ. If an applicant does not live in Old Bridge but they wish to be considered, they may apply but their acceptance will be based upon availability.

Details

Participants who attend will be given (2) Youth Police Academy Shirts and (1) hat along with a water bottle, which will need to be worn as part of their uniform daily. Lunch will not be provided and will need to be packed Monday-Thursday (lunch will be provided Friday at the Graduation). The drop-off will be at the main entrance of the Township Recreation Building between 7:45 am and 8:00 am.

It is our hope that this program will educate the participant and help create a stronger bond between police officers and the youth of our community.