State Police Hail Graduates of the 80th
Trooper Youth Training Class
Sea Girt, NJ - Lt. Colonel Christopher Andreychak, Deputy Superintendent of Investigations for the New Jersey
State Police, today hosted commencement exercises for 109 high school students from across the state as they completed a
week-long educational program with the 80th New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week training class.
"The tough regimen of police activities to which these young people are exposed will benefit them no matter what line of
work they decide to enter," said Lt. Col. Andreychak. "This experience gives them a glimpse into a career as a New Jersey State
Trooper along with the self-discipline, compassion and responsibility that the job entails," Andreychak added.
"The students seated before you represent some of the best and brightest New Jersey has to offer," said Essex County Prosecutor
Paula Dow. "Today is a small step in their journey to becoming leaders of their schools, towns, and communities. I am proud of
all of the Trooper Youth Week graduates, and especially proud of our Essex County representatives," said Dow.
Sponsored by the Department of Law & Public Safety and the Division of State Police, the Trooper Youth Week training program,
which began in 1965, provides young people interested in a law enforcement career with "real life" police experience.
Over the 40-year period, an estimated 4000 students have participated in the program. Many of the graduates have gone on to
careers in law enforcement on the federal, county, and local level. To date, 91 Trooper Youths have joined the ranks of the
New Jersey State Police.
The "future" troopers of the 80th New Jersey State Police Trooper Youth Week training class participated in a wide range
of 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 acts. The
students also learned about New Jersey’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 New Jersey 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.
List of graduates (PDF)
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