Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 9, 2002
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
SFC Al Della Fave, NJSP Public Information Office
(609) 882-2000 x6514

     Sea Girt, N.J. - Joseph J. Santiago, Superintendent of the Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ State Police, today hosted commencement exercises for high school seniors from across the state as they completed a weeklong, police-oriented educational program with the 59th Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ State Police Trooper Youth Week training class.

     Superintendent Santiago noted that the State Police Trooper Youth program has become an important stepping-stone for youngsters seeking a career in law enforcement and police work. Additionally, the simulated police training exercises taught throughout the week provide the students with a keen awareness and understanding of the tough standards required of police.

     "Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ's seat belt compliance rate is currently 82%," according to Santiago, "however the low compliance rate for fatalities emphasizes the need for increased enforcement and education.".

     Sponsored by the Department of Law & Public Safety, the Division of State Police and Department of Education, the Trooper Youth Week training program provides young people interested in a law enforcement career with "real life" police experience.

     The "future" troopers of the 59th Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ State Police Trooper Youth Week training class participated in a wide range of activities - activities that simulate the actual police recruit training experience. The Trooper Youth cadets were exposed to the regimen of reveille, roll call, academic classes, tough physical fitness training and actual police field exercises.

     As part of the training program, State Police instructors placed special emphasis on exposing the Trooper Youth cadets to the unique pressures and problems associated with illegal drug use, teen violence and the aftermath of violent and deadly acts. The students also learned about Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ's vast cultural diversity and the constitutional guarantees afforded all citizens.

     Additionally, the Trooper Youth cadets explored practical and theoretical areas of police science, including the history and functions of the Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ State Police; crime scene investigation procedures; firearms safety; CPR and lifesaving techniques; motor vehicle law and safety; the rapidly expanding use of computers and technology in police work; teenage drinking and driving and use of the breathalyzer; and overall exposure to police work as a career.

     A listing of the 59th Ó£»¨ÊÓƵ State Police Trooper Youth Week graduating class is below.

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