Connecticut summer camps are in full swing, but not all of them involve swimming, cookouts, and arts and crafts.
At the University of Hartford campers are participating in a summer “cop camp” of sorts. It is the fifth year of the Connecticut Cadet Police Academy, where campers ages 13 to 21 spend the week in a boot camp style atmosphere.
About 350 cadets from all over the region have enrolled in the camp this year. University of Hartford Assistant Police Chief Michael Kaselouskas said the cadets are busy and willing to get dirty.
“They learn hand cuffing, they actually go to the range and learn firearms training, they do bike training,” Kaselouskas said. “They get everything hands-on.”
After administering hand-cuffing techniques on a campus field, Jacob Keller, a 15-year-old cadet from Fishkill, New York, said, “I’m looking forward to pursuing a career with the New York State Troopers so I want to ensure my future.”
Sgt. Greg Gunter, a 22-year veteran of the Fairfield Police Department, is a former cadet, and now he’s the academy director said of the program.
“We want to help contribute to it and make our future in law enforcement better,” Gunter said.
About 100 police officers from all over the east coast serve as instructors to the cadets. The program ends on Saturday with a graduation ceremony.
To find out more click www.cadetpoliceacademy.com
