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Perth Amboy Launches Police Youth Cadet Program

There’s Already A Waiting List for the Second Cohort of Teens for September

PERTH AMBOY – July 31, 2024 – Patrolman Raymond Arce had an idea: Why not engage local youth in a program that connects them with city police officers for ongoing positive interaction?

That idea prompted the very first Police Youth Cadet Program in the spring with 35 city youth ages 13-17 who met with five police officers and a counselor every Saturday for 10 weeks at William C. McGinnis Middle School on State Street. The pilot program ran from February to June with the next cohort planned for September.

“At first parents thought this was some kind of boot camp to prepare kids for a career as police officers,” Arce said. “That was not the case at all. It was about bringing kids together for group activities helping them emerge from their shells and discover new facets of themselves.”

Arce, who has been on the force for nine years in Perth Amboy, originally envisioned he would create a non-profit organization to help local youth. But when he pitched the idea to his superiors, it was suggested he create a pilot program and assess its potential. And with a grant from Middlesex County, the cadet program was launched.

“This program is designed to build leaders and role models, emphasizing discipline, respect, and community leadership,” explained Police Chief Larry Cattano. “Through various activities and challenges, the teens learn the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and civic engagement.

“This program has not only equipped the cadets with essential life skills but also inspired them to be positive influences in their communities, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment in each participant,” the chief added.

Arce hopes the program can ultimately run throughout the year, with cadets coming back to serve as leaders for new groups. The program is a joint effort between the police department’s community policing division and the city’s recreation department.

Each session, the teens do physical fitness programs, have breakfast together, listen to an hour-long lecture on such relevant topics as cyberbullying and cybercrime, and then dive into a team activity. Arce said the activities are deliberately designed to be interactive, such as kickball, softball, touch football, volleyball, or dodgeball.

“We want to pull the teens out of their comfort zone so that they talk to one another and engage as teammates,” Arce said. “The majority of the kids who come into the program don’t regularly do physical fitness, and many would opt to play video games in their bedrooms, so it is great to see them come out of their shell.”

As part of the open dialogue, Arce regularly discusses the work of a patrol officer and the need for community support. “I say to the kids that I only have two eyes out there, but imagine the impact if I had their 35 sets of eyes as well making sure Perth Amboy is safe,” he said. “That is why we need to work together. I tell them to be mindful of the elderly and children. Help out when you can.”

Arce noted many of the teens in the initial program were saddened when it was time for the closing ceremonies in June. He is pleased that many of them will be returning as “senior” cadets this fall to assist with the new “junior” cadets. There is now a waiting list for the program.