20-July-2025
Friday-18-July, the 2025 Bogota Junior Police Academy Class 03 (BJPA) had their first duty day. This is for Students from Bogota entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year. This year it is being held at Steen School. As the recruits arrived, they were told to line up along the fence on the Orchard Terrace side of the playground. Some came by themselves, while others were dropped off by their Parents. The recruits were greeted by Instructors asking them if they thanked their Parents for driving them, did they bring a lunch, and tell their Parents they Loved them. If the Instructors did not think the recruit was sincere enough, they were to go back and give them a hug or kiss. A few recruits rode their bicycles to Steen. They would be quizzed by the instructors. These included where was their helmet, was the bike insured, and where did they think it should be parked for the day.
When all the recruits arrived, they were instructed to move to the Courtyard floor. Instructors told the recruits that the speed in the Academy is fast, so they should not be walking. After some lessons on how to stand in formation they quickly moved down the ramp into the Moore Gym. The recruits were assigned their Academy number and asked to place their backpacks and other contraband into containers. Then the recruits waited for their next instructions. At this time, Director Michael LaFerrera, and Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Weiskus addressed the recruits. Director LaFerrera said this will be the hardest day of the Academy. Because this is designed to be a learning day for both the Student and Staff. The Instructors need to learn what each recruit can do, and what can be achieved. The recruits need to learn new skills, and on how much more they can do with the self-confidence and hard work the Academy offers them.
With Academy Instructors watching, the first objective was to find the Academy Backpack that match their Academy number. The Instructors wanted to know why all the backpacks had not been found, and why the recruits are not back on the bleachers. As the whirlwind slowly reduced the recruits put on their backpacks, with the single strap being placed over their right shoulder, and the number facing out. At times, the backpack was not on correctly and a fellow recruit would display the proper method on how to wear it. The Instructors would offer words of encouragement when needed as the Duty Day progressed. Then the Instructors began to explain some basic rules as a member of the Academy. This included to do any request with a purpose, focus and speed. From moving into Squad Formation, going to the hydration station, stowing, or recovering their gear, or even asking to be excused to use the head, needed to be done quickly and safely.
Next was communication between the Instructors and the recruits. When asked a basic question as an individual or a group a response of “SIR YES SIR” or “MA’AM YES MA’AM” is required. If an Instructors yells EARS the response is “OPEN SIR” or” MA’AN” must be called out so the recruits would be quiet and prepare to listen. As these lessons were being explain some recruits would go into the locker rooms to put-on their Cadet uniform.
When all the Cadets were fully dressed, Drill and Ceremonies (D&C) training started. Before the drills began Cadets learned that an order a command will be given. A preparatory command will be said, followed by a beat then the action will be said. An example is to face right; a command of RIGHT (with a pause) FACE will be called out. A quick and smooth movement to the right should follow. The Cadets would repeat the process until it was followed without error. Then the Instructors would move on to the next command.
Through-out the Duty Day, all Instructors would observe the recruits. Sometime offering a calming word, or to help explain a task some more. But also, to take action if a recruit was becoming emotionally or physically overwhelmed. The recruit would be quietly taken to the first aid station and examined by the Medic. Sometime just a little extra rest, or more hydration was needed. The Medic had the final say on how long a recruit stayed in sick-bay and only returned to the floor when they felt better.
During the duty day the Cadets were given a homework assignments, these including learning the names of their squad mate, and the instructors. Also, the Cadets were encouraged to practice some of the drills they have learn. This was so they could be more comfortable with turning left, or right on a count of two. How to move from Attention to Parade-Rest, and back, smoothly. Along with marking time in place and stopping in place.
Another part of their assignments was for the Cadets themselves to wash their uniforms at home and have them ready for the next Duty Day.
After lunch Ms. Weiskus gave the Cadets a written exam on general Academy and Bogota knowledge. A second test will be given at the end of the Duty Time to judge the progress of the Cadets. Next was more D&C drills along with Physical Training and an assessment on their capabilities.
When this was over recruits had a chance to rest, take a breath, get a drink, and wonder what has just happen to them. Director LaFerrera told them they had experience the hardest day of the program.
Then the Cadets of 2025 Bogota Junior Police Academy had a chance to relax before being dismissed for the weekend.
Duty Day 2 will take place at Steen School with the call time of 0730 on Monday-21-July.
Friday-18-July, the 2025 Bogota Junior Police Academy Class 03 (BJPA) had their first duty day. This is for Students from Bogota entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade for the 2025-2026 school year. This year it is being held at Steen School. As the recruits arrived, they were told to line up along the fence on the Orchard Terrace side of the playground. Some came by themselves, while others were dropped off by their Parents. The recruits were greeted by Instructors asking them if they thanked their Parents for driving them, did they bring a lunch, and tell their Parents they Loved them. If the Instructors did not think the recruit was sincere enough, they were to go back and give them a hug or kiss. A few recruits rode their bicycles to Steen. They would be quizzed by the instructors. These included where was their helmet, was the bike insured, and where did they think it should be parked for the day.
When all the recruits arrived, they were instructed to move to the Courtyard floor. Instructors told the recruits that the speed in the Academy is fast, so they should not be walking. After some lessons on how to stand in formation they quickly moved down the ramp into the Moore Gym. The recruits were assigned their Academy number and asked to place their backpacks and other contraband into containers. Then the recruits waited for their next instructions. At this time, Director Michael LaFerrera, and Assistant Ms. Elizabeth Weiskus addressed the recruits. Director LaFerrera said this will be the hardest day of the Academy. Because this is designed to be a learning day for both the Student and Staff. The Instructors need to learn what each recruit can do, and what can be achieved. The recruits need to learn new skills, and on how much more they can do with the self-confidence and hard work the Academy offers them.
With Academy Instructors watching, the first objective was to find the Academy Backpack that match their Academy number. The Instructors wanted to know why all the backpacks had not been found, and why the recruits are not back on the bleachers. As the whirlwind slowly reduced the recruits put on their backpacks, with the single strap being placed over their right shoulder, and the number facing out. At times, the backpack was not on correctly and a fellow recruit would display the proper method on how to wear it. The Instructors would offer words of encouragement when needed as the Duty Day progressed. Then the Instructors began to explain some basic rules as a member of the Academy. This included to do any request with a purpose, focus and speed. From moving into Squad Formation, going to the hydration station, stowing, or recovering their gear, or even asking to be excused to use the head, needed to be done quickly and safely.
Next was communication between the Instructors and the recruits. When asked a basic question as an individual or a group a response of “SIR YES SIR” or “MA’AM YES MA’AM” is required. If an Instructors yells EARS the response is “OPEN SIR” or” MA’AN” must be called out so the recruits would be quiet and prepare to listen. As these lessons were being explain some recruits would go into the locker rooms to put-on their Cadet uniform.
When all the Cadets were fully dressed, Drill and Ceremonies (D&C) training started. Before the drills began Cadets learned that an order a command will be given. A preparatory command will be said, followed by a beat then the action will be said. An example is to face right; a command of RIGHT (with a pause) FACE will be called out. A quick and smooth movement to the right should follow. The Cadets would repeat the process until it was followed without error. Then the Instructors would move on to the next command.
Through-out the Duty Day, all Instructors would observe the recruits. Sometime offering a calming word, or to help explain a task some more. But also, to take action if a recruit was becoming emotionally or physically overwhelmed. The recruit would be quietly taken to the first aid station and examined by the Medic. Sometime just a little extra rest, or more hydration was needed. The Medic had the final say on how long a recruit stayed in sick-bay and only returned to the floor when they felt better.
During the duty day the Cadets were given a homework assignments, these including learning the names of their squad mate, and the instructors. Also, the Cadets were encouraged to practice some of the drills they have learn. This was so they could be more comfortable with turning left, or right on a count of two. How to move from Attention to Parade-Rest, and back, smoothly. Along with marking time in place and stopping in place.
Another part of their assignments was for the Cadets themselves to wash their uniforms at home and have them ready for the next Duty Day.
After lunch Ms. Weiskus gave the Cadets a written exam on general Academy and Bogota knowledge. A second test will be given at the end of the Duty Time to judge the progress of the Cadets. Next was more D&C drills along with Physical Training and an assessment on their capabilities.
When this was over recruits had a chance to rest, take a breath, get a drink, and wonder what has just happen to them. Director LaFerrera told them they had experience the hardest day of the program.
Then the Cadets of 2025 Bogota Junior Police Academy had a chance to relax before being dismissed for the weekend.
Duty Day 2 will take place at Steen School with the call time of 0730 on Monday-21-July.
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