The overriding message for the kids was that there's more to policing than pulling guns and locking up suspects.
TRENTON -- Dozens of children graduated from the Trenton Police Department's Youth Academy Summer Camp during a ceremony at City Hall Friday.
At the camp this summer, youths ages 10 to 15 learned many aspects of policing, from firearms simulations and how K-9 units operate. But they also got a lot of fresh air and went horseback riding and picked fruit at a local farm.
The overriding message, though, was that there's more to policing than pulling guns and locking up suspects. It's about working with residents and making relationships to solve problems as a community.
And city and police leaders told the campers to take that message with them as they had back to school.
Trenton mayor to campers: Be 'proud' of police
"When the police work with the community, things go smoother," Police Director Ernest Parrey Jr. told the campers.
Mayor Eric Jackson's Chief of Staff Francis Blanco lauded the kids for attending, even though their peers might not think it's "cool."
"You have distinguished yourselves," Blanco told them.
East Ward Councilwoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and At-large Councilman Duncan W. Harrison Jr. also congratulated the graduates.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.