Sussex Community College offers summer criminal justice courses

Newton - For five days this summer, from July 10 through July 14, Sussex County Community College will become the Criminal Justice Academy, giving students an up-close look into the field of criminal justice and law enforcement. The academy for young adults is a collaborative program between the college and law enforcement agencies in Sussex County. Academy sessions will introduce students to basic police operations, including military style drills, patrol procedures, canine unit, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, drug investigation, cyber-crimes, special weapons and tactics, handcuffing, self defense, fugitive searches and firearm awareness. The program will feature instructors from the N.J. State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Secret Service, Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutor’s Office, and local law enforcement. Classes will start at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, July 10, and finish at 3:30 p.m. Parking will be available on campus. All participants will receive a certificate of completion at a culmination ceremony. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $20 per student. Each student will receive an Academy T-shirt and be treated to a barbecue lunch on Friday, July 14. Students must bring a bag lunch Monday through Thursday. Candidates for the Summer Criminal Justice Academy at Sussex County Community College must meet the following criteria: • completed his/her sophomore, junior or senior year at a Sussex County High School • be a student in good standing • be a good citizen with no criminal background • be in good physical condition to meet the required physical training • be willing to be part of a highly disciplined curriculum The academy is designed to develop a partnership between the police, the college and the young adults of Sussex County. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional law enforcement academy that will provide the students an opportunity to see police-related activities from the inside. The daily sessions are not designed to certify participants as law enforcement officers, but will provide students with knowledge that will effectively prepare them for civilian or law-enforcement related careers. Sussex County Community College is located at One College Hill Rd. in Newton. To register for the Criminal Justice Academy, call 973-300-2182 or send e-mail to wmgovern@sussex.edu.