Wilmington Police announce 2021 WPD Youth Police Academy

July 1, 2021

The Wilmington Police Department is announcing the return of its Youth Police Academy, a program that was suspended last summer due to COVID-19 health restrictions. The 2021 WPD Youth Police Academy is a two-week program offered for youth ages 13 through 17, and will be held at the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Wilmington at 3707 North Market Street.

The 2021 program will run from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, beginning on Monday, July 12 and concluding on Friday, July 23. The program is designed to build upon the relationship between police officers and the community they serve, while providing younger people in Wilmington with a better understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of police work, as well as how law enforcement officers protect and serve Delaware’s largest city.

There is no cost to attend and breakfast and lunch will be provided to participants, but class size is limited; applications are due by 5 p.m. on July 8. For more information and to obtain an application, visit https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/public-safety/wilmington-police-department/wpd-youth-police-academy.

“We are thrilled to again be able to offer this program for Wilmington youth,” said Chief Robert J. Tracy. “Programs like this build on the relationships our officers have with young women and men in our neighborhoods, and can help provide members of our community with a greater understanding of the law enforcement profession and how our officers serve our City.”

Participants will attend a mock police academy involving lectures, role-playing, teambuilding exercises, hands-on activities, presentations, and a field trip. In addition, there will also be a physical training component. The curriculum features a range of topics, including conflict resolution, fingerprinting, crime scene investigation, drug awareness, traffic and criminal law, building searches, K9 Unit operations, explosive and bomb investigations, physical agility training (push-ups, sit-ups, light calisthenics), first aid, gang awareness, the Juvenile Justice System, arson and fire safety, report writing and Internet safety. COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of instructors and participants.

Anyone with questions about the program can contact Sgt. Michael Coleman at (302) 757-2353 or Michael.Coleman@cj.state.de.us.