FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 16, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Melrose Police Department to Hold Junior Police Academy 

MELROSE — Chief Michael L. Lyle is pleased to announce that the Melrose Police Department will hold the third annual Junior Police Academy this summer.

Given the success of the program over the last two years, three sessions will be offered in June and July. Each will be held at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School with outdoor activities on Fred Green Field. Classes will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily.

• June 27-July 1 (Session One)
• July 11-July 15 (Session Two)
• July 18-July 22 (Session Three)

The one-week classes are free and open to children ages 10 to 13.

Last year, 106 students signed up, and Melrose Police are excited to expand the program this year to allow for additional children to attend. Prior to 2014, the class hadn’t been offered since the early 1980s. With assistance from the community, the Melrose Police Department relaunched the program for girls and boys. Sessions are taught by Melrose police officers and members of the Melrose Alliance Against Violence.

“The Junior Police Academy has been extremely successful over the last couple of years and we’re certainly excited to bring back this program for our young Melrose residents who are interested in seeing what it’s like to be a police officer,” Chief Lyle said. “We encourage anyone who would like to attend to sign up.”

Participants can expect to complete physical training, including stretching, calisthenics, running, and competitive squad games aimed to test focus, speed and teamwork.

Students will also spend time in the classroom learning about investigations, patrol procedures, traffic, bullying, drugs and cyber safety to educate children on the dangers they could encounter when using technology.

Space is limited, so those interested in participating should sign up early. To register, visit the forms section on the police department’s website, melrosepolice.net, or contact Sgt. Chuck Byrne at the Melrose Police station at 781-665-1212 or email cbyrne@cityofmelrose.org.

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