Scotch Plains Youth Police Academy Graduates 20 Recruits at 15th Annual Session

Twenty young recruits graduated from the Scotch Plains Youth Police Academy this summer, completing the program's 15th annual session. The Scotch Plains Police Department announced the graduation following a week of hands-on learning, teamwork, and community engagement.

The academy is open to students entering grades six through nine—graduates of fifth through eighth grade—ranging in age from 10 to 14. This year's session enrolled 20 recruits, according to Union County Life's coverage of Scotch Plains civic education programs.

Scotch Plains Police Detective Stephanie Mirabile served as director for the third consecutive year. "This year marked my third year serving as director of the Scotch Plains Youth Police Academy, and each year I strive to expand the program and provide new opportunities for our recruits," Mirabile said.

This year's session added two educational field trips, marking the first time the program included this component. One trip took recruits to the Newark Mounted Unit, where they learned about the daily care and training of police horses, observed grooming techniques, had the opportunity to sit atop a mounted patrol horse, and received instruction on the specialized role the mounted unit plays in law enforcement.

Beyond the field trips, recruits participated in educational activities covering leadership, responsibility, and public service. The program provided an immersive look at careers in public safety, introduced participants to the role of the Scotch Plains Fire Department, and included instruction in CPR and first aid.

The academy is designed to introduce young residents to law enforcement and strengthen trust between police officers and the community through educational settings. Mirabile reflected on the experience: "Watching these young people develop confidence, ask questions, and gain a greater understanding of public service has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career."

The Scotch Plains Police Department thanked five local businesses for their support: Scoops Ice Creamery, Big C's Italian Grill, The Yard, Max's Pizza & Bistro, and Park Avenue Cleaners.

For more Scotch Plains events and community news, Union County Life covers local civic programs and youth initiatives.

FAQ

Q: What is the Scotch Plains Youth Police Academy?
A: The academy is an educational program designed to introduce young residents to law enforcement and strengthen trust between police officers and the community. It provides hands-on learning in leadership, responsibility, and public service.

Q: Who can attend the academy?
A: The program is open to students entering grades six through nine (graduates of fifth through eighth grade), ranging in age from 10 to 14 years old.

Q: How many recruits graduated this year?
A: Twenty recruits graduated from the 15th annual session held this summer.

Q: What is new about this year's academy?
A: This year marked the first time the program included educational field trips. One trip took recruits to the Newark Mounted Unit, where they learned about police horse care, training, and the role of the mounted unit in law enforcement.

Q: What does the academy curriculum include?
A: Recruits participate in educational activities covering leadership, responsibility, and public service. The program includes an immersive look at careers in public safety, introduction to the Scotch Plains Fire Department, and instruction in CPR and first aid.

Q: Who directs the academy?
A: Detective Stephanie Mirabile has served as director for the third consecutive year. She has emphasized expanding the program and providing new opportunities for recruits.

Q: Where can I find more information about Scotch Plains programs?
A: Union County Life covers Scotch Plains civic programs, youth initiatives, and community news. Subscribe to the Scotch Plains newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for ongoing coverage.