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June 26 through June 29 Wayne Police hosted their 19th Junior Police Academy. Crime scene investigation was one of the courses offered to the junior cadets, who helped their senior officers solve a "burglary." Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.com

State Trooper Andrew Stephanic gives young cadets a tour of a police helicopter in Wayne.(Photo: Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.c)

WAYNE With a few days ofcrime-scene investigation, self-defense and police discipline lessons under their belts,Wayne's newest junior police made their first "arrest" last week.

The collar was a part of DetectiveJason Clemente's crime scene-investigation class with retired officers Detective Sgt. Matthew Dox and DetectiveJim Faber.

The annual Wayne Junior Police Academy, a weeklong event for township children ages 10 to 12, gives aglimpse into police work and police academy training with a slice of fun. This year, 79 children signed up to learn more about police work while bonding with local officers at Wayne Valley High School and Wayne PAL.

Eight squads of children witnessed a simulated break-in by Dox, who snuck into a "home,"rummaged through belongings and madehis exit with a utility bag.

The cadets were quick to build a description of their suspect and assisted with his arrest after officers "discovered" the suspectoutside.

The case doesn't close with a suspect's arrest, cadets learned, as detectives demonstrated how police gather evidence like shoe prints, fingerprints and interviews to build a case for a suspect's guilt.

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Dox didn't seem to mind as an eager young cadet placed him in handcuffs for being caught with the stolen property. It's his second time playing the bad guy.

"I just enjoy doing it," said Dox, a 34-year Wayne Police veteran, of volunteering in the junior academy.

For cadet Emmie Licamarca, 11, the best part of the academy was theself-defense class, she said.

"There was this guy in a red armor-like suit and we had to beat him up," said Emmie, who added it was her second year at the academy.

Her friend Alyssa Montero, also 11, said she signed up because of stories she heard from Licamarca.

"I wanted to do an extra activity this summer and [Emmie] said it was really fun," said Alyssa.

A junior cadet helps put "suspect" retired Det. Sgt. Matthew Dox in handcuffs at Wayne Police's 19th annual Junior Police Academy.(Photo: Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.c)

This is the 19th year Wayne Police have hosted the Junior Academy, with one of the largest enrollments, at 79 cadets, according to DetectiveMichael Zaccone, event organizer and Wayne Valley High School resource officer.

Zaccone said he is "so proud" of the showing of officer's from Wayne's own department, composed of 21 current and retired officers, eight student volunteers and officers from state and county agencies.

"I am really proud of all the guys from our department who have come to help with this," said Zaccone.

Sean Perrius,11, who will head to Schuyler Colfax Middle School in the fall, said his favorite part was meeting all the different squads.

Throughout the week, Wayne's newest cadets were visited by the Passaic County Sheriff's Department, including the bomb squad, hazmat, SWAT and mounted officers, as well as state police troopers, local fire companies and first aid personnel.

Det. Jason Clemente demonstrates how police can use a flashlight to find footprints at a crime scene at Wayne's Junior Police Academy.(Photo: Jessica Presinzano/NorthJersey.c)

Mohammad Asaad, 12, who was attending with his brother Baslan, said he enjoyed meeting the K-9 unit most of all.

In addition to the crash courses in crime scene investigation, self-defense and meet-and-greets with various law enforcement, cadets also did some team building.

Project Adventure, a belay activity all Wayne high schoolers take part in,was incorporated to build "trust" and encourage "cooperating and working together," said recently retired Wayne teacher, Lorene Bishop.

For the 10, 11 and 12-year-olds in the academy, their ascent on rock walls and rope ladders were assisted by eight experienced high school volunteers, who controlled their ropes to ensurea safe descent.

The cadets' navy blue uniforms were sponsored by Atlantic Stewardship Bank, which has two branches in town. It's their first year sponsoring the program, but Berdan Avenuebranch manager John Lindermulder said he hopes to increase the bank's involvement with the junior academy.

The week closed with a formal graduation ceremony held in WVHS' auditorium among family and friend. The hourlong ceremony includedthe Passaic County Pipes and Drums, remarks from police representatives and Mayor Chris Vergano and formal presentation of certificates to the graduates.

Email: presinzanoj@northjersey.com

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