Academy 2023

Interested in next year? Generally the application period starts in April each year with applications due in by the middle of June.

Training Law Enforcement Right – Gardner MA PD Junior Academy Is a Serious Program

Each year, the Gardner Police Department hosts cadets 14 to 17 years old in a 5 day Junior Academy. And for those who are considering a career in law enforcement later, this interactive learning environment is the real deal. For example, one of the slides on the training screen is the “Use of Force Model” described as the Use of Force Continuum which covers Risk Perception Categories, and the appropriate officer responses given various actions of the subject with whom the officer is interacting. A positive testament to the program’s credibility and the Gardner PD itself.

Responders: Often, a Police Officer can be the first responder to someone in need of some sort of emergency medical care so they are trained to perform CPR. The cadets were challenged to use their physical and mental strength in various exercises. Cadets are chosen from those who apply from Gardner first, and then from other communities as space allows.

Gardner PD posted “It’s that time of the year, and the Gardner Police Department Junior Academy is in full swing. Cadets have started their five-day journey, learning to march and the life-saving measure of CPR. They then geared up for a challenging PT session in the heat, where they demonstrated their physical and mental strength. They learned defensive tactics and handcuffing techniques. The day concluded with K9 Rocky, who demonstrated his skills in apprehension and the use of his powerful nose. The cadets showed their passion, and we look forward to the upcoming days.”