LOCAL YOUTHS PARTICIPATE IN SHERIFF YOUTH WEEK
It was not an ordinary week of summer camp for the 53 recruits who participated in Sheriff Youth Week from Monday July 12 to July 16. The challenging program held at the Monmouth County Police Academy provides high school aged students a unique opportunity to explore interests in law enforcement through police academy style training, exercise programs and instructional sessions. “Sheriff Youth Week was a great experience. I liked learning about the different areas of law enforcement, especially the homeland security presentation,” said Sean Allen of Red Bank.
Each day began and ended with one hour of exercise and drill. Throughout the week recruits learned about various law enforcement topics and organizations. Presentations included overviews of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and 9-1-1 Communications Division, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, weapons of mass destruction, firearms safety, women in law enforcement and other topics.
Interactive demonstrations included the bicycle patrol unit, demonstrated by sheriff’s officers, self defense and K-9 training. A major focal point of the week was the Beamhit laser firearms training equipment demonstration, where students got hands on experience with laser target shooting, which provides a safe and effective way for law enforcement officers to train. Another highlight was the crime scene investigation demo, where students learned about forensic science, CSI style, during a “who done it” mock crime scene. “I commend all of these fine young men and women who endured an intensive week of law enforcement training by participating in Sheriff Youth Week,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “Out of this class will come law enforcement professionals and leaders of tomorrow.”
Sheriff Youth Week concluded on Friday after a formal graduation ceremony with honored guests Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, the former sheriff of Monmouth County, William W. Wingard, of New Jersey Gravel & Sand who sponsored the event, and General Daniel Doherty, of MPRI whose company provided the equipment for the Beamhit demonstration.