Greenwich PD To Hold Citizens Police Academy

Ever wonder what it's like to be a police officer in Greenwich? The Greenwich Police Department is accepting applications for the 2014 Citizen's Police Academy Spring Session, that will give residents an inside look at how the department operates.

The Citizen's Police Academy provides Greenwich residents with a first-hand overview of both law enforcement and the department's community-related functions. Topics of instruction include: Introduction to Policing, Community Impact Section, Use of Force, Scams/Fraud, Patrol Operations, Crime Prevention, Motor Vehicle Stops/DUI, Narcotics Investigations, Special Response Unit and Domestic Violence Investigations.

Instructors for the program are highly-trained and experienced Greenwich Police officers. In addition to participating in role-playing exercises, attendees will accompany on-duty police personnel the Marine and Patrol divisions. Ride-a-longs are scheduled beyond regular class times. A demonstration at the Police Firing Range will allow recruits to participate in mock scenarios where an officer may have to fire their weapon.

The seven-week program will begin on Tuesday, April 29, and will meet twice a week from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Greenwich Police Department on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One Saturday class also will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on May 17. 

Applicants must be a Greenwich resident at least 18 years old. There is no fee for the program; however, the Department requests that applicants be committed to the full seven-week program. The class is limited to 40 students. Due to the high demand for this course, qualified applicants will be subject to a lottery drawing to determine the final class roster.

A criminal history background check will be performed on all applicants. Accepted recruits will be contacted during the week of April 21.

Classes will be held April 29, May 1, 6, 8, 13, 15, 17, 20 ,22, 27, 29, and June 3, and 5. Graduation will be held June 5. The deadline to submit applications and a motor vehicle operator’s license photocopy is Wednesday, April 16. 

Applications may be obtained at the Greenwich Police Department front desk, Greenwich Town Hall reception desk, or downloaded from the Town of Greenwich web site by visiting www.greenwichct.org.

Questions should be directed to the Greenwich Police Department Community Impact Section. The Session Coordinator is Sgt. John Thorme.