Howell Police Youth Week gives cadets a clue about blue crew

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it • STAFF WRITER • July 6, 2010 APP.com - From the Jersey shore to you.

Why did township police Sgt. Joe Markulic order the 10?

"Because I didn't have my shirt tucked in," said Jeremy, 12.

The untucked, navy-blue T-shirt said "cadet" across the back. On the front was the logo of the Howell Police Department.

Jeremy and 17 others were in the middle of the first Howell Township Police Youth Week. Sponsored by the department, Patrolmen's Benevolent Association 228, representing township police officers, and the local Police Athletic League, the five-day program imitated a police academy training class.

From June 28 through July 2, the cadets attended the day program at the Monmouth County Fire Academy and learned policing — processing a crime scene, traffic safety, working with a dog (or K-9 unit), fire safety and rescue, and emergency services. They also learned marching and took part in physical training.

"Running, sit-ups, push-ups, you name it," said Patrolman Paul Mazzeo, a Police Youth Week instructor.

From the kids' end, they could learn about a possible career.

"I'm very interested in law enforcement," said cadet Sabrina Capriotti, 13. "It's one of the things I've wanted to do since I was little."

"I'd like to be a K-9 officer in the future," added cadet Jordan McClain, 17. "I like dogs, and I have family members in law enforcement."

"This is an introduction to police work," said Sgt. Chris Hill, who ran police youth week. "It gives them a taste. You know right away if this is for you or not."

From the police end, and continuing PAL's longtime mission, the idea is to reach out to youth.

"We have a major investment (with youth)," Hill said. "The more we talk to (youth) and make them feel comfortable with police officers, we won't have to chase (them) later."

One training program had Markulic and Patrolman Scott Brooks creating a motor-vehicle stop. Markulic "pulled over" Brooks, playing an unsafe driver in another car.

"You can listen to what I'm saying, how I introduce myself, my approach, my return," Markulic said.

Markulic approached the car, observing Brooks both through the window and the side-view mirror. Markulic noted how he would watch passing traffic and not turn his back on Brooks, both for safety.

That's what we call a "routine' stop,' " said Markulic, noting no motor-vehicle stop should be considered routine.

If he stops a vehicle with tinted windows, Brooks said he would ask the occupant to lower them as he approached.

"We want to be able to know what's going on," Brooks said.

On this day, the cadets also looked over a State Police helicopter, observed the Squankum Fire Company and Howell Police Emergency Medical Service respond to a simulated head-on collision, and watched Jago, one of two township police dogs, "apprehend" Patrolman Vincent Bonner.

Police Youth Week was free to participants, with the approximately $125 cost per student covered by the PAL and the police union, along with donations, Hill said.

"I learned how all the different areas of the police department work," Jeremy said.

Jeremy's mother, Jen, said Police Youth Week was "just a wonderful experience for him to have more discipline and respect, (along with) hard work."

"I think it's great," said Therese Allen, whose son, Zach, 14, took part. "They just got out of school. It's good to have a little structure (over summer vacation). He's physically fit. He's learning about law enforcement."

Allen added it is "very exciting" for her son to have been part of the first police youth week. Now, the sponsors are considering holding a second Police Youth Week, Aug. 9 to 13, Hill said.

On this recent day, cadets ended with physical training under the tutelage of drill instructor-like Patrolman John Fay of the Eatontown Police Department.

Fay assigned the cadets into two teams. They filled cups of water from a garbage barrel and raced to fill a two large water bottles, one for each team, at the other end of a parking lot.

"How long we have to run, how many push-ups we have to do?" Fay mocked, then adding, "Fill the bottle up!"

After several minutes, a winner was declared, but the winning team did not stop. Team members helped fill up the losing team's water bottle — a bit of teamwork that Fay complimented them on.

Another day of Police Youth Week was over, so noted by Fay: "Class dismissed!"

The cadets filed out with the law enforcement mantra about safety on their minds, "Everybody goes home at night.