Pontiac Junior Police Magnet Academy

This program represented a partnership between:

• The City of Pontiac
• The Pontiac School District
• Oakland Community College
• Pontiac Central High School
• Pontiac Northern High School

Program Overview

The Pontiac Public Safety Jr. Magnet Academy offered students opportunities to explore a broad range of careers within the field of criminal justice. Characterized by a well-planned curriculum, the Junior Academy program taught students to recognize the connection between academic achievement and success in the workplace.

Mission Statement

To provide a rigorous academic high school curriculum that prepares highly motivated young men and women for careers in law enforcement and other related fields.

The Junior Academy was designed to:

• Encourage students to commit to a rigid course of study
• Introduce students to community service
• Educate students on careers in law enforcement
• Influence students to become productive, law-abiding members of society

Educational Philosophy

The teamwork approach of the Junior Police Academy brought together students from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in an effort to improve the local community as well as greater society. This philosophy reflected the program's commitment to integration and its valuable rewards.

Graduates of the program march confidently toward a future rich with unlimited career opportunities. More than 250 different positions in law enforcement are available for sworn officers and civilian personnel. The experiences and practical training acquired from the program offer students a solid educational foundation and provide a springboard for post-secondary education or employment in any field.

Student Participation

The model Junior Police Academy student was diligent, trustworthy, committed to the principles of public service, and dedicated to becoming a good citizen and role model. The program challenged students to achieve high academic performance and to demonstrate extraordinary citizenship in school.

Discipline was a key component of the Junior Police Academy program. Use of drugs or alcohol, non-conformity, and defiance were unacceptable student behaviors. Students were required to wear the program uniform for inspection, community activities, special events and field trips.

Students were expected to have pride in themselves, compassion for others, sharpen their leadership skills and understand the importance of integrity and commitment.

Program Participation

 Becoming a part of the Pontiac Junior Police Magnet Academy required the commitment of students, parents, schools and community.

A Pontiac Police Department officer was assigned to each high school, in a full-time position to lead, counsel and mentor students through the Pontiac Junior Police Magnet Academy experience.

 Curriculum

The Junior Academy curriculum focused on core content academics, as well as special subjects related to law enforcement, such as Forensic Science and Physical Training. In addition to Language Arts and Mathematics, students studied:

• Social Studies
• Citizen's rights and responsibilities
• Consumer, Criminal and Civil law
• The Juvenile Justice System
• Forensic Science
• Experimental Methodology
• Biological evidence collection and analysis
• Use of simulated crime laboratory
• Forensic site visits, i.e., local crime lab
• Computer Science
• Subject-focused software
• Critical thinking and analytical skills 
• After-hours lab access

Physical Training

• State-of-the-art weight room
• Obstacle course
• Strength and cardiovascular training

Community Service

• Volunteerism in Community
• Citizenship

Sergeant Darryl Cosby, Program Coordinator

Phone: 248-758-3467
110 East Pike Street, Pontiac, Michigan USA 48342