Youth Academy

New London Police Department’s Youth Citizens’ Police Academy

The goal of our Youth Citizens’ Police Academy program is to provide our youth greater opportunity to interact with members of our agency and gain a broader understanding of law enforcement. Our program curriculum is designed to engage our students in a variety of ways. We want to educate our youth on the different functions of the New London Police Department and the law enforcement profession. Although the New London Police Youth Citizens' Academy is hosted by the New London Police Department we will look to include other members and organizations from the community to show our student participants that a great many people care about them and their future. Instructors will encourage our participants to ask questions and initiate open and frank dialogue. We believe our Youth Citizens’ Police Academy will enable our youth to feel more comfortable about interacting with law enforcement.

The program will be coordinated by our Community Services Unit with assistance from other divisions in our agency. We want to educate our youth on the different functions of the department. The program is designed to provide our youth ages 13-17 with a close-up look at law enforcement and the tools of the trade. Our youth participants will have an opportunity to learn what it is like to be a police officer by participating in scenarios, learning about crime investigations, observing displays of departmental equipment, processing staged crime scenes, dusting for fingerprints, learning about weapon safety, stranger danger, and internet safety, and receiving information on departmental programs. All attendees will have the opportunity to attempt a physical agility course as well.

This free 8-10 week program (April 17, 2025 through June 5, 2025) is open to New London youth, thirteen (13) years of age to seventeen (17) years of age), on a first come, first served basis. Seating is limited for this program so we encourage you to submit your application early (applications available via the City website (PD section), the Department Facebook page, and at the police department).

Important information for interested applicants

The Youth Citizens’ Police Academy is for personal enrichment and not for certification or employment purposes.
Prior to submitting your application, please be sure that you are able to commit to the academy schedule.
The academy is a 8-10 week program. Classes meet one night a Thursdays between 5:30 PM and 8 PM.
REQUIREMENTS: Must be at least 13 years old and younger than 18 years old.
Remember, the class size is limited. Be sure to complete your online application and submit it as soon as possible.
Applications MUST BE RECEIVED by 1:00 PM on April 11, 2025 - Those selected will be notified on or before April 14, 2025
First preference will be given to New London residents.

Program contact: Community Resource Officer Christina Nocito at CNocito@newlondonct.gov