Chief Michael Lyle shares that classes in the 2022 Melrose Junior Police Academy are filling quickly.

Registration is now closed for Week 1, June 27-July 1. Slots are still available for Week 2 (July 11-15) and Week 3 (Aug. 1-5). Parents may sign up their child for one week only.

The Junior Police Academy is open to students in Grades 4-8 who attend Melrose schools or private schools.

Cadets will meet Patrolmen, Detectives, K9s and Handlers, Traffic Officers, Prosecutors, Bicycle Unit members, and for the soon-to-be middle school students, School Resource Officers.

Additionally, there will be many opportunities to get up and close with some of the equipment and emergency vehicles, as well as one full day with Melrose Fire Department. The instruction periods will educate on dozens of topics from internet safety, the dangers of drugs, first aid, traffic safety, as well as learning what Melrose Police Officers do every day to keep the city safe.

Classes are first-come, first-served. Applications can be picked up anytime at the Melrose Police Station, 56 West Foster St. There are no signups online, so applications should be filled out and returned to the station.

This program has remained free thanks to generous donations by local businesses. Those who would like to donate or have questions are asked to contact Sgt. Nikolaus MacIntosh at nmacintosh@cityofmelrose.org.