Youth Academy (Cranford PD)

The annual Cranford Police Department Youth Academy is scheduled for Monday, July 6th through Friday, July 10th, 2026. Applications are limited to the first 40 applicants, who must be Cranford residents. Any additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist. There is a $160 registration fee which covers uniforms, equipment and expenses that is due upon applicants being notified of their acceptance into the Youth Academy. Payment may be made in the form of a check or money order, made out to the "Township of Cranford." Applications will be due May 16th 2026. Any questions, please contact Detective Ali Muhammad at 908-272-8989 or email at a-muhammad@cranfordnj.org

Registration Opens: Thursday, April 23th 2026

Registration Deadline Date: Friday, May 16th 2026

Fee: $160.00

Academy Dates: Monday July 6th 2026 - Friday July 10th 2026

Coordinator Information:
Detective Ali Muhammad
908-272-8989
a-muhammad@cranfordnj.org

Once notified of acceptance you will receive an email with additional information (ie: Official Acceptance Letter, Confirmation of Uniform Sizes, Youth Academy Week Schedule, and Code of Conduct)

Any questions, please contact Detective Ali Muhammad at 908-272-8989 or email a-muhammad@cranfordnj.org

(Parent)
Participant Birth Date

Cadet Uniform Information

T-Shirt Size
(Check One)
Short Size
(Check One)

NOTE: All Cadets will be issued two (2) Shirts, two (2) pairs of shorts, and one (1) baseball cap. Cadets are responsible to wear the listed uniform each day of the academy. Please provide accurate size for your child. Uniforms sizes cannot be changed or refunded once ordered.

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Emergency Medical Information

Medical Form must be filled out in its entirety. Dependent on the applicant’s past medical history, the Township of Cranford maintains the right to request a doctor’s note for participation in any and all physical activities. This must be submitted prior to the first day of the academy. Supplied information will only be used in the event of a medical emergency.

Birth Date

Emergency Contact Information

Code of Conduct

  1. There will be no use and/or possession of tobacco products, alcohol, or drugs
  2. Students are required to arrive no later than 7:45 am. Students must be picked up no later than 3:15 pm (unless the permission to walk/bike home form is signed).
  3. Students are expected to adhere to academy rules and regulations.
  4. Students are required to obey all orders of academy instructors and are not to leave the classroom without express permission of the instructor.
  5. Should a student become ill or injured, he/she is to report immediately to an instructor.
  6. Use of obscene, vulgar, or profane language will not be tolerated.
  7. Students will conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Physical contact between students is not permitted.
  8. Students will show presenters respect. Sleeping, talking (unless called upon), and the use of electronic devices will not be permitted during presentations.
  9. Students who ride bicycles/skateboards to the academy must wear helmets.

Dress Code

This academy has been developed to give each student the best possible learning experience. Therefore, it is necessary that students present themselves in a neat and well-groomed manner. A uniform consisting of hat, shorts, tee shirt, white socks, and sneakers will be worn at all times. Hair must be neat and not a distraction to other students. Wearing of jewelry is prohibited.

Participant Behavioral Contract

The purpose of this contract is to inform the undersigned student that he/she must comply with the provisions of the Cranford Police Youth Academy and to specific terms set forth in this contract. The student understands that due to the nature of this academy, there will be zero tolerance rules in effect. Undesirable conduct, such as horseplay or a violation of the student code of conduct, will result in immediate removal of the student from the academy. This contract is in effect for the safety of all students and to maintain discipline and order. This contract represents an agreement by the student that he/she received a copy of the Code of Conduct and the student agrees to adhere to this code at all times while at the academy.

Our program is a para-military style boot camp. It is built on discipline and teamwork building skills. We show the children, who are 7th to 9th grade age range, every facet of police work. We give them a small taste of what we as police officers endure to become police officers. Our instructors and staff work hard every day and are in this for the children because we want to see these children succeed and have a sense of pride on graduation day. We have children that come back every year and eventually work with us to help the recruits learn and thrive. We have numerous requests to keep the program going for older kids. Every year out of the fifty plus kids we usually have about 10% drop out. Although we realize the program is not for every child, we encourage them to stay. The ones that stay are overjoyed with pride and confidence. They walk away with new friends and a new family, us, the men and women of the Cranford Police Department.

***Failure to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Academy and/or any disrespect shown to an officer or fellow cadet may result in the immediate suspension or expulsion of the student. No refunds will be issued.***

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Release of Liability

(Parent/Guardian Name)
(Participant Name)
(Home Address)
in Cranford New Jersey, do hereby give my son/daughter permission to attend the Cranford Police Department Youth Academy and in consideration of allowing him/her to participate in the above named program, I voluntarily and knowingly release and discharge the Youth Academy, Cranford Police Department, Township o f Cranford, facilities managers, and all instructors and participants in this program as well as all others who may be liable from all claims, present and future, known or unknown, in any manner arising out of his/her participation in the Cranford Police Department Youth academy program. Participants will have the opportunity to be physically conditioned, including but not limited to daily physical training, and agility course; tour the Cranford Police Department and any other locations as detailed in the academy schedule (to be distributed at a later date); and will be viewing demonstrations from multiple county and federal agencies including, but not limited to Union County Sheriff’s Department Canine Unit, Union County Police Bomb Squad. Applicants will be held to an understanding of a paramilitary rank structure and the Code of Conduct set by the Cranford Police Department. If at any time a cadet receives an injury, and/or will not be participating in a scheduled event, the Cranford Police Department shall be contacted, via the main Communications Desk at (908)272-2222, as soon as possible. Instructors will not be checking their personal voicemails during the week of the Youth Academy. All cadets must be accounted for at the beginning of each day. Absences must be documented. Failure to comply may result in discharge of the cadet.

This hold harmless agreement is a testament to my understanding of the above evidenced by my signature below.
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Photograph Release Form

Cranford Police Department
8 Springfield Avenue
Cranford, NJ 07016

Permission to Use Photograph

I grant the Cranford Police Department, its representatives, employees and/or their designee the right to take photographs of me and my property in connection with the Cranford Police Department Youth Academy. I authorize the Cranford Police Department, its assigns and transferees to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically.

I agree that the Cranford Police Department may use such photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content.

I have read and understand the above:

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PERMISSION TO WALK/BIKE HOME

(parent or guardian)
(juvenile’s name)
permission to walk or bike home unsupervised at 3:00 pm following dismissal from the Cranford Police Youth Academy from any of the following locations: Cranford Police Department 8 Springfield Avenue, and/or any other Cranford locations the Academy will be held at as detailed in your Academy schedule (to be received in future communications). Helmets are required for bicycles, skateboards, et al. If we do not have this slip, your child will not be released without authorized adult supervision.

Signatures

Clear Signature
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Optional