BOSTON — This summer, the Massachusetts State Police hosted, for the first time, a Junior Trooper Academy. It’s a three-day summer camp designed to introduce kids to police work, and to help them see police officers as everyday human beings.
“We’re trying to engage with them. Not build bridges, but (we’re) trying to make connections, positive connections and make lasting memories,” Trooper Nathan Monteiro told me.
This week about 30 New Bedford-area children spent three days with the Massachusetts State Police, learning about forensic science, the MSP Air Wing, accident reconstruction and more.
The highlight Thursday: meeting MSP K9s Margeaux and Piper, along with their handlers.
The Massachusetts State Police Museum and the State Police Association of Massachusetts coordinated the Academy.
One of the Academy’s missions is to see beyond the badge.
“They need role models. And they need role models from all different facets of the community. And they need to know these people care,” said Jennifer Whitman, the Learning Center Director for the Mass State Police Museum.
Jazlynn Silva, a New Bedford student, told me the Academy helped change her perspective. “At first I thought police were just people who protect other people,” Silva said. But now I see that it’s a lot more complicated and I see all the sacrifices they make.”
This year, students from the Boston and New Bedford areas took part in the Junior Trooper Academy. It’s hoped the Academy will return next summer.
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