July, 23, 2024
Anthony Castro-Munguia receives his graduation certificate.
ATLANTIC CITY — The Atlantic City Police Department Junior Police Academy held graduation on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Atlantic City High School for 58 students.
Through the academy, 11-and-12-year-old students who are in fifth or sixth grade learn various elements of a police officer’s duties and responsibilities to help them understand their roles in the community and perhaps encourage them to explore careers in law enforcement. Atlantic City Public Schools Director of Secondary Education Donald Harris said the program may help students make the decision to join the public safety program when they get to high school. “It’s an outstanding program for our students and a good segue into the high school program that we have just started for public safety,” said Harris. “The Atlantic City Police Department has done a fine job over the years, and they continue to do a fine job with these young men and women in the program.”
Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr., said he personally knows the program’s value because both his children have completed it. “This sets the foundation for you guys to know, number one, to respect law enforcement and all the things that they have to go through, but more importantly to plant the seed,” Small told the audience assembled in the high school auditorium. “We’re constantly looking for fine young people to join the best police department in the world, which is the fine men and women in blue of the Atlantic City Police Department. Hopefully, you’ve learned a lot and, hopefully, this makes you want to become a police officer in the great City of Atlantic City.”
Mayor Marty Small Sr. addresses the Junior Police Academy class of 2024.
Atlantic City Police Department Sgt. Mohammad Kaiser, who led the program, said students took classes from various divisions, including forensics, the S.W.A.T. Team, the bomb squad, and Law Enforcement Against Drugs, (L.E.A.D.). They also saw demonstrations of the K-9 unit. Some dogs do bomb detections, while others work on patrol. The students also learned the phonetic alphabet, Kaiser said. The program was divided into two-week sessions. Session I was held at Richmond Avenue School for students who attend neighborhood schools in that area. Session II was held at Pennsylvania Avenue school for students who attend neighborhood schools in that area.
Atlantic City Police Department Sgt. Mohammad Kaiser talks about the various elements of the Junior Police Academy program.
Atlantic City Police Chief James Sarkos, guest speaker for the graduation, said the Junior Police Academy helps the students make positive connections with the police department. “I hope some of you, if not all of you, consider a career in law enforcement,” said Sarkos. “But no matter what career you pursue, I hope you remember the core principles that were taught to you in this program, including integrity, honor, duty and commitment.”
Harmoni Edmonson, who will be a sixth-grade student at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School Complex, in September, attended session II. She said she learned more than she expected from the program. “We did a lot of physical training, PT. We learned firearms safety. We learned about guns, drugs and bombs,” said Edmonson. “It was really fun. It was hard work though, but it was all worth it.” Anthony Smith, who will be a seventh-grade student at Sovereign Avenue School, attended session I. “I liked learning how to do arm circles and push-ups,” said Smith. “If you see a gun on the floor, don’t touch it. Call the police or tell the nearest adult.”
Anthony Castro-Munguia, served as president of session II. Although he was the shortest, he was elected president by his peers because of his big spirit. “Before the program, I was a weak kid. Now, I’m stronger than before,” Castro-Munguia said. “It doesn’t matter what size or height you are, it’s about skill. Look at me. I’m small. But I’m fast, strong and smart. Never, never let size or height define you.”
Jonniana Swain, was elected president of session I by her peers. “If we can get through JPA, we can get through anything,” said Swain. “JPA was the best program I’ve ever been in.”
Jonniana Swain, served as president of Session I.
The Junior Police Academy is one of many community relations programs offered by the Atlantic City Police Department. “We hope it translates into them choosing a career in public safety,” Harris said.
