After taking a hiatus for several years, the Groton Town Police are bringing back the Citizens Police Academy—an effort to give residents a better idea of what the police do.
It’s the department’s seventh academy, but it hasn’t held one since 2002, according to Youth Officer Douglas Hoffman, largely due to staffing issues.
The first five weeks of the program will be in the classroom, and the last week will include a ride-along with a police officer.
Classes will include a history
of the department and its various divisions and a tour, Hoffman said.
Various guest speakers will help explain the community policing program and specialty units, such as the scuba and marine units, bike patrol, and canine units.
They will go over the rules for use of force and shooting decisions, too.
“We want to expose them to the tough decisions police officers have to make,” Hoffman said.
Citizens can learn about motor vehicle stops, the use of radar, and how to determine if drivers are intoxicated. They may also learn from people in the judicial system, such as prosecutors or Naval Criminal Information Service.
“People should know what happens in court once we arrest them,” Hoffman said.
“We want to reach people that have interest. Instead of what they see on TV, like Law and Order, they can see exactly what reality is and what our limitations are,” Hoffman said. “Hopefully we’ll make it enjoyable for them, too.”
The program will be held on Mondays, starting Jan. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Groton Town Police Department, 68 Groton Long Point Road, in Groton. Seating is limited, and applications will be accepted from Town of Groton residents first.
Interested people may call 449-7184 and leave their name and phone number by Jan. 23 for Youth Officer Douglas Hoffman.
By KATIE WARCHUT
Staff Writer