Cadets Graduate From Youth Police Academy

New Castle – The Delaware Alcohol & Tobacco Enforcement (DATE) agency held it’s second Youth Police Academy last week at the Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III National Guard/Reserve Center at New Castle Airport. During last week’s program the group of high school aged youth experienced a challenging atmosphere where they gained confidence building tips and strategies, received education on drugs and alcohol, various law enforcement functions, team building exercises, self-discipline and physical fitness drills.

The skills and discipline that were learned during the week were on full display at the group’s  graduation ceremony, held on Friday. The group marched into the event like a group of well trained military soldiers to the delight of their very proud parents.

During the ceremony the cadet’s chosen representative discussed their experiences during the week long program. He explained that what started out as a group of stressed out individuals quickly became a team that counted on and helped each other.

In addition to the the team building skills, class drills and educational programs the group experienced activities that most at their age will never experience. The group trained in real life police scenarios with swat officers, they visited the state’s bomb squad, and they observed officers in the field.  During the week members of the Army National Guard were on hand to help out and answer the groups questions as well.

At Friday’s event several dignitaries were on hand to congratulate the group for their hard work. A representative from Delaware Homeland Security agency,  DATE Director John Yeomans, and DATE Deputy Director Robert Kracyla  handed out certificates and awards to the cadets.

The team of DATE officers and the supporting military members that conducted the academy were also recognized during the ceremony.
The group of 11 cadets were applicants from all areas of New Castle County.

Image Credits: DATE