By Dan Atkinson
Staff Writer
April 16, 2008 06:49 am NEWBURYPORT — No amateur Dirty Harrys need apply, but residents looking to learn about Newburyport police can sign up for the department's first Citizen Police Academy in six years. Classes will meet every Thursday evening for nine weeks and will show aspects of police work that residents might not be familiar with, according to Lt. Mark Murray. While the department has some grant money for the program, instructing officers will be volunteering their time, he said. The department used to run a yearly academy, but interest dropped off about six years ago after many people had already gone through it, Murray said. But those who did participate found it useful, and the department decided to revive the academy for people who did not participate in the past, he said. "The feedback we got years ago was good; people really enjoyed it," Murray said. Classes range from learning about the dispatch center and school safety to CPR certification, Murray said. In one class, defense and prosecuting attorneys will discuss the legal system from their standpoints, and in another, police will go through a typical driving under the influence of liquor arrest, from the car stop to roadside testing to the booking process. "That's something people might have heard about from other people who have dealt with that situation before," Murray said. "This way, they'll get a feel for what it's like." Once participants sign a waiver, they'll go on a two- or three-hour ride-along with patrolling officers, Murray said. The ride-along should provide a glimpse into how police operate on a daily basis. "It'll give people an idea of what we do," Murray said. The class can hold 25 people, Murray said. Interested residents can pick up an application at the police station or apply online at newburyportpolice.com. The due date for applying is April 23.
—
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.