Post Date: 05/25/2018 4:00 PM

Mayor Purzycki and Police Chief Tracy invite City residents between the ages of 13 and 17 to apply for the two-week program which opens June 18

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Police Chief Robert Tracy today encouraged the City’s younger citizens, ages 13 to 17, to apply now for the 2018 WPD Youth Police Academy. This is a FREE two-week program that will teach teens about police work while establishing a more positive relationship between the Wilmington Department of Police and young attendees.

Attendees will participate in role-playing, team building-exercises, and hands-on activities, and also receive various presentations and go on a field trip. There is a physical training component to the academy as well as instruction on conflict resolution, first aid, gang awareness and Internet safety. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to participants.

“The WPD Youth Academy is a wonderful opportunity for young people who have an interest in law enforcement, or who may simply benefit from positive interactions with our police officers, to receive first-hand experience regarding the challenges and rewards associated with police work,” said Mayor Purzycki.

Chief Tracy said participants will gain a better understanding of the responsibility that goes along with being a police officer, as well as the positive effect officers can have on the communities they serve.

The WPD Youth Academy opens Monday, June 18, 2018 and will conclude on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Classes will be held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the William G. Turner Building, located at 500 Wilmington Avenue. Applications for the WPD Youth Academy can be obtained at the Wilmington Police Department on Walnut Street, the PAL on Market Street or the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center on Madison Street. The application is also available online at www.WilmingtonDE.gov/youthpoliceacademy. The application deadline is Friday, June 8, 2018. There is no cost to attend the Youth Academy but class size is limited to 25 participants on a first come, first served basis.

For more information regarding the 2018 WPD Youth Police Academy please contact Lieutenant Ruth A. Townsend of the Support Services Division of the Wilmington Police Department at (302) 576-3613 (office) or 302.379.3155 (cell) or send an email to ruth.townsend@cj.state.de.us.

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News and information from the Office of Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki

John Rago

Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Communications

Mobile: (302) 420-7928

Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov



Paul Ford Jr.

Communications Specialist

Mobile: (302) 530-2171

Email: plford@WilmingtonDE.gov



Dan Sanchez

Digital & Social Media Manager

Mobile: (302) 605-0026

Email: dsanchez@WilmingtonDE.gov