Reading Police Invite Residents To Attend Citizen Police Academy

A release from the Reading Police Department:

READING, Ma. - Deputy Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that residents can now sign up for the Reading Police Department's Citizen Police Academy this fall.

The program is open to anyone 16 or older, and minors must obtain parental permission to attend. While out-of-town locals are welcome to sign up, if the class begins to reach capacity preference will be given to Reading residents.

Classes will be held every Tuesday from Sept. 17 through Nov. 12, from 7-9 p.m. in the community room at the Reading Police Station at 15 Union St. Those that attend a minimum of six classes will have the opportunity to participate in a ride along with a Reading Police officer.

Various members of the Reading Police Department will lead classes in their fields of expertise over the course of the nine week program, and topics will include investigations, firearms, dispatch procedures, traffic safety, accident investigations, domestic violence, community policing, operating under the influence procedures, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) and Rapid Response Team (R.R.T.) operations, emergency response, police and schools, crime prevention and patrol procedure.

A graduation ceremony for the program will be held during the last session of the program, on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

To sign up for the course, please contact Community Service Officer Kristen O'Shaughnessy by calling 781-942-6761 or by emailing koshaughnessy@ci.reading.ma.us.