Junior Police Academy Camp

Established: 2020
Grades: 6-12
Month: June
Duration: One week
Locations: City of Erie Police Department, Mercyhurst Municipal Police Academy, Erie County Courthouse
Eligibility: Selected students who are active in the PAL after-school program with an interest in public safety/criminal justice
Activities: Career exploration, interactive tours, police activities, physical fitness

Designed for middle and high school students, the week-long PAL Junior Police Academy Camp offers a comprehensive program to hone leadership skills, foster responsibility, encourage critical thinking, and promote effective communication. Each year, up to 20 exceptional PAL students are selected to “enroll” in the Junior Police Academy where they explore careers in the law enforcement and legal fields.

Day one begins at the Mercyhurst Municipal Police Academy where students shadow a cadet, run the physical agility course, and learn policing first-hand through virtual reality simulators. The week continues at the Erie County Courthouse, where junior cadets join roll call at the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, and talk with probation officers, detectives, the District Attorney and county judges to learn about the legal side of the criminal justice system. 

Later in the week, junior cadets tour the City of Erie Police Department, starting with a mock roll call. From traffic stops to fingerprinting and the booking process, students experience what it’s like to be on patrol before meeting with detectives to learn how to investigate a crime through interviewing and using forensic evidence. Junior cadets also meet with SWAT and the bomb squad.

On the final day, students and their families are invited to Erie City Council Chambers for a graduation ceremony, where the Chief of Police and Mayor recognize all the junior cadets. Upon graduation, students can be selected for the Mercyhurst University Cyber Security Camp.