BPD to again host Citizen's Police Academy

2011 Citizen’s Police Academy

The Berlin Police Department will be hosting a Citizen’s Police Academy beginning Wednesday, April 6, 2011. 

What is the purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy? 

The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is to develop a positive relationship between the police and the community through education. We believe the more information the public has about the Berlin Police Department, less fears and misconceptions will exist. Many conflicts are caused simply by a lack of understanding. Participants will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions.The objective of the Citizen Police Academy is not to train an individual to be an Auxiliary Police Officer but rather to produce a well-informed, knowledgeable citizen and to build a lasting partnership. 

What prompted a Citizen’s Police Academy? 

The need for continual police community interaction and open communication, along with the past success of this program in other communities became the driving force for the implementation of the Academy at the Berlin Police Department. 

How will a Citizen’s Police Academy improve police and community interaction and communication in Berlin? 

Interaction and communication will reduce suspicions, fears and misconceptions, which occur between community members and law enforcement professionals. 

How and when are the classes being conducted? 

The classes will begin Wednesday, April 6, 2011.  Students will meet once per week at the Berlin Police Department, 240 Kensington Road, (Wednesday) from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM for ten weeks.  Students will receive classroom and hands-on instruction from veteran Berlin Police Officers who work or supervise each particular section.  There is no charge to students and the Police Department will provide all classroom materials. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in an optional ride-along with a Berlin Police Officer. 

What type of information is covered in class? 

Topics to be covered will include Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Communications, Police Training, Legal Use of Force and Less Lethal (Taser) Force, Search and Seizure, DUI Investigations (Law and Exercise), Crime Scene Processing, Traffic Enforcement, Laws of Arrest, Overview of Ct Judicial System and National/ State Accreditation. 

Who is eligible to attend and how do I apply? 

Participants must be 21 years of age or older, live and/ or work within the Town of Berlin and must not have a felony arrest record.  Applications may be picked up at the Berlin Police Department, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037 or may be downloaded at the Police website (www.berlinpd.org). 

If you have any questions regarding the Berlin Police Department’s 2010 Citizen’s Police Academy, please contact Lieutenant James A. Gosselin at (860) 828.7184 or e-mail, jgosselin@town.berlin.ct.us 

Applications should be mailed or dropped off no later than Friday, March 11, 2011 to: 

Berlin Police Department, Attention: Lt. James A. Gosselin, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037