BOYNTON TEEN POLICE ACADEMY BUILDS STRONG BONDS
What does it mean to be a police officer in Boynton Beach?
That question was answered this week for more than two dozen high school students who attended the police department’s 10th annual Teen Police Academy, where they learned a wide range of police skills, from how to search a crime scene for evidence to the proper way to use a bicycle while on patrol.
Officer Rachel Baldino, who is in charge of the program, said the event is an important part of the department’s community policing initiative.
“This is a good way for the teens to interact with police officers,” she said. “It helps them build relationships and makes them more comfortable interacting with officers in their own communities.”
Baldino said that this year’s academy was its biggest yet.
“Each year we try to get better and better,” she said. “This is one of the biggest groups that we’ve had.”
Baldino added that several of the participants want to pursue a career in law enforcement.
“Criminal justice has become a passion of mine,” said Anja De Nobriga, a junior at Santaluces High School in Lantana, who aspires to join the Navy, then the FBI.
The Boynton Beach academy was the third one she has attended thi s summer. She also attended the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office and FBI teen academies.
“Going to these programs has made me realize what a rewarding job it can be, but it also taught how hard it can be,” she said.
De Nobriga said that everyone should participate in programs like the Teen Police Academy, if only to realize that law enforcement officers aren’t the enemy.
“People aren’t really thinking for them as a good thing anymore,” she said. “But they are good. Police are here to help us and protect us.”
Enrique Acevedo, a senior at Santaluces, said his favorite part of the academy was all of the police skills he learned.
“I’ve learned about forensics, I got certified in CPR, and I learned about SWAT tactics,” he said. “It’s really cool stuff.”
Acevedo added that spending the week in the officers’ shoes was an eye-opening experience.
“I’ve always respected police officers,” he said. “I feel like if somebody had a different opinion, coming here would definitely change that.”