The Citizen Police Academy Could Be For You

Graduating Class of 2016

ARLINGTON--The Arlington Police Department is still calling for applications to its Citizen's Police Academy. The Academy is a free, eight-week program designed to teach residents and business owners about the inner workings of the Arlington Police Department. The final date for submitting an application is August 18. The next sessions is from September 21 to November 16, on Thursday nights from 6pm-9pm at the department.

One Arlington resident, Sirri Spiesel, said, "I especially loved that I got to see how wide the reaches of the police department...all the different groups that they work with. There's restorative justice, domestic assault. They have a clinical social worker who works with everybody."

Topics include:

- APD K-9 Unit
- History of the APD
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Emergency 911 System
- Traffic Law
- Restorative Justice Program
- Domestic Violence
- Cyber Crime
- Identity Theft
- Patrol Ride-along

Captain Jim Curran told Patch, "During the second week, we explain policing, and get different lieutenants in to cover different topics. We do a history of the Arlington Police Department, which people really seem to like." Detectives come in and talk during classes. Curran said, "Danielle Smith handles our crime analysis, and has been an asset to our detective bureau. We have people come in and talk about crime scenes. You know how everyone watches the cop shows."

The is the second year of the Academy in recent years, which started in the early 2000s, but went on reprieve during the police department's construction. Twenty residents took part in the program last year.

To apply, fill out an application and return to the front desk officer, or email to JWalsh@town.Arlington.ma.us. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. All applicants are subject to background check.

Photos courtesy of the Arlington Police Department.