18 Local Youth Graduate the Inaugural BC Police Youth Police Academy

The Boston College Police Department hosted its first Youth Police Academy during the week of August 5th-9th, 2019 with 18 youth cadets from the greater Boston area graduating on Friday, August 9th.

The purpose of the academy was to enable the dedicated youth to become self-assured, caring and disciplined adults in a challenging environment and to instill confidence and courage. Through classroom instruction, lectures, field trips and physical training, the academy fostered in each recruit the ability to approach police officers and nourish a friendship between the youth of the community and police officers.

Our universities mission reminds us that we continue to build upon our traditions, and to fulfill its Jesuit Catholic mission of faith and service. The Youth Police Academy embodied the youth cadets to be men and women for others, develop their minds and talents to the fullest and use them in service to others. The academy also challenged the individual youth to focus on bettering themselves and their communities, through education and service to others.

Youth cadets were identified by members of community youth organizations, and youth service officers. Cadets had to complete an application process which required a 250-500 word essay reflecting the reasoning for their interest, their academic and career goals, and what they hope to obtain from the experience.

“It was a nice way to bring the children from inner city areas and the police together to build and foster positive relationships, while stressing and testing the importance of leadership, care for others and team work,” said Chief William B. Evans. 

Cadets had the opportunity to participate in training exercises similar to what actual police academy cadet’s experience. The academy included classroom sessions in criminal and constitutional law, ethics, crime & fire prevention, crime scene investigations, patrol procedures, alcohol education, and CPR/AED certification.

Cadets also participated in physical fitness, ceremony & drill exercises, defensive tactics as well as a ropes challenge and obstacle course. In addition a chance to hear presentations and see demonstrations by BC Head Football Coach Steve Addazio, UGBC Vice President Tiffany Brooks, Boston PD Gang Unit, Harbor/Marine Unit and K-9.

Cadets participated in a community service outreach program in the South Street area of Boston in conjunction with National Night Out (against crime) where they met Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, and Suffolk County District Attorney (DA) Rachael Rollins, along with a tour of Gillette Stadium and special meeting with New England Patriots Stephon Gilmore & Devin McCourty.

“I wish the program was longer than a week, as it is making me re-think about becoming something in law enforcement,” said Youth Cadet Garcia. “Being here at the academy showed me a part of myself that I didn’t know of.” “I have been showed that I’m capable of many things and if I find anything difficult, I keep trying and don’t give up.” Cadet Garcia added.

A huge thank you to Boston College, Boston College Athletics, Boston College Football, Boston College Campus Recreation, Boston College Bookstore, Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC), Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. Target, Whole Foods Market, Wegmans, Sandwich Works, Flat Breads,  Eagle Obstacles, Armstrong Ambulance Service , MIT Police, Boston Police Department, Robsham Theater, Gillette Stadium, New England Patriots, Skipjack's Patriot Place and Silver City Gifts for their support of the academy.

For more information on the the Youth Police Academy, please contact Lt. Jeff Postell