Junior Police Academy
Springfield Police Department Chief of Police John P. Cook has announced the dates for the 2026 session of its Junior Police Academy. The academy will be running a one-week session from July 13th through July 17th, 2026, which will be held at the Springfield Police Department. Classes will run from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm daily.
This program is designed to provide area youth with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the role of the Police Officer. While other youth academy programs provide a day camp setting, the Springfield Police Junior Academy has been modeled after today’s police academy. Those accepted to the program will undergo physical training and daily training in Drill and Ceremony, will be instructed in criminal investigation techniques, evidence recovery, patrol practices and effects of alcohol and drugs. In addition, the cadets will participate in field trips to the Union County Police Academy and attend demonstrations from various specialized units that are available to law enforcement, such as the police canine unit and SWAT team.
Each cadet will receive official Springfield Police Junior Academy uniforms to wear throughout the course. Upon successful completion of the course, the cadets will participate in a graduation in which they will be presented with a certificate of completion.
Acceptance into this program requires that the applicant be between the ages of 11-14. Those that qualify will be selected based on the return date of their application and tuition payment of $100.00. These applications are to be dropped off at the Police Desk at the Police Department. Please note, however, that preference will be given to Springfield residents. Anyone not selected for this program will receive their tuition payment back in full.
Applications will be accepted beginning March 16th, 2026, and the deadline for applications will be June 15, 2026.
For additional information please contact the Springfield Police Department at (973) 921-1775 and speak to Officer Frank Cunha or Sgt. Matthew Schmidt.
Officer Cunha: frank.cunha@springfield-nj.us
Sgt Schmidt: matthew.schmidt@springfield-nj.us