Mayor Nicholas J. Sacco, Commissioner Allen Pascual, Commissioner Hugo D. Cabrera, Commissioner Claudia Rodriguez, Commissioner Anthony P. Vainieri Jr., and Chief Robert J. Farley Jr. are pleased to announce the continuation of the North Bergen Junior Police Academy for the 2026 summer season.
The North Bergen Junior Police Academy is open to township residents entering 7th or 8th grade as of September 2026. Instruction will take place at various locations throughout North Bergen Township.
This program is not a “boot camp” for troubled youth. Instead, it is designed to mirror a real police academy experience for students interested in law enforcement and those who demonstrate strong leadership potential. The academy’s objective is to educate cadets on a wide range of police procedures and practices. In previous years, cadets have:
- Learned about the history of the North Bergen Township Police Department
- Toured Police Headquarters
- Received instruction in firearms safety, including a live demonstration
- Participated in field trips to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Freedom Tower
- Visited the Hudson County Correctional Center
- Observed K-9, polygraph, and fingerprint demonstrations
- Traveled to the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum and FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
These activities represent just a sample of what the 2026 cadets may experience. A detailed schedule, including methods of instruction and planned activities, will be reviewed on the first day of the academy.
Through these lessons and experiences, cadets will gain a comprehensive understanding of the law enforcement profession. The program emphasizes self-respect, respect for others, teamwork, and commitment to personal goals. Instruction will be delivered through structured, interactive, and hands-on activities, combining both educational and physical training components.
The Junior Police Academy will run for five days, from Monday, July 20, 2026, through Friday, July 24, 2026. Enrollment is limited to 32 cadets and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, provided all required paperwork is completed correctly. Incomplete or improperly completed applications will result in disqualification.
The program will be held at the Lincoln School Annex, located at 1206 63rd Street (Smith Avenue Entrance).
Application Requirements
All prospective cadets must complete and submit the following:
- A completed cadet application filled out neatly in black or blue ink and signed.
- One recommendation form along with a letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, or vice principal.
- A completed essay answering the following question: “Why do you want to participate in the North Bergen Junior Police Academy? What do you hope to accomplish from it?”
- Applicants must be incoming 7th or 8th grade students as of September 2026.
- Applicants must be residents of the Township of North Bergen.
Submission & Deadline: All materials must be submitted by email only to: [email protected] by May 15, 2026 (No other submission method will be accepted).
Important Notice: The North Bergen Police Department, Recreation Department, and Township reserve the right to deny admission due to incomplete applications, failure to meet requirements, or acts of juvenile delinquency.
Upon Acceptance: If your child is selected, you will receive an official acceptance letter from Police Chief Robert J. Farley Jr., along with additional required forms. By June 1, 2026, accepted applicants will receive an acceptance packet via U.S. Postal Service. This packet will include:
- Code of Conduct
- Medical Certification
- Medical Release/Civil Liability
- Range Clearance
- Media Release
- Additional required forms
All completed forms must be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than June 25, 2026.
Program Fee: There is a $50 nonrefundable fee to attend the academy. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to: North Bergen Superior Officers Assoc. PBA Local 18A “Good and Welfare” Please include “2026 Junior Police Academy” in the memo section. Payment will be collected at a mandatory orientation meeting prior to the start of the academy. Details regarding the meeting will be provided upon acceptance.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Instructor Joe Sitty at (201) 206-2050.