A group of 20 Hoboken teens are training with the Hoboken Police Department this week.

The students are participating in the Hoboken Junior Police Academy – a camp designed to give the students a glimpse of what it is like to train as a police officer. The students also took part in physical training, which is meant to challenge them physically and mentally.

“Some want to be police officers. Some want to learn about our jobs. Some want a week away from parents and parents want a week away from them,” says Hoboken Police Sgt. Melissa Gigante.

Many of the teens said that they want to be police officers when they grow up.

“I’ve always wanted to be a detective,” says Evan Ballantyne. “I thought if I came here it would help me learn about police and other things I had to do.”

Tuesday’s lessons also included an appearance by the Hudson County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit.

The camp was open to students aged 12 through 15. Hoboken’s program only accepts two students each year. But many other towns also offer similar programs.