Criminal Justice Career Academy

The Delray Beach Police Department Criminal Justice Career Academy at Atlantic Community High School was initiated in 2002 through a cooperative effort by the Delray Beach Police Department, Atlantic High School Principal Dr. Kathleen Weigel, and the School District of Palm Beach County. The academy is designed to provide students the opportunity to learn about police work through classroom instruction and law enforcement activities.

The purpose of the academy is to develop potential, future police department employees; the program has altered the perception, life ambitions and motivations of the students currently enrolled in the program. The program also provides students a means to achieve academic credit as well as provide opportunities to receive certifications as Community Service Officers. Recently the program received a  grant from the Palm Beach County School District to purchase a dispatch simulator that would allow the students to become dispatch certified.

The students are allowed to assume positions of leadership, serving as organizers, planners, and facilitators. The importance of education is stressed. The Delray Beach Police Department Criminal Justice Career Academy at Atlantic Community High School has received national acclaim; it has become the model for programs of this nature across the country and received national accreditation in 2008.

If interested in applying for the program please contact Sgt. J. Rasor at (561)279-1707.