The Watertown Police Department announced the return of the Citizens Police Academy, and the latest class will begin on Oct. 5.
The aim of the academy is to familiarize residents with the operations of the Watertown Police Department. Another goal of the citizens academy is to increase citizen-police interaction and cooperation.
“It is our intention after the completion of this seven week course, participants will have a better understanding of the police officer’s role in the criminal justice system and an appreciation of the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s society,” reads a letter about the program written by Police Capt. Raymond DuPuis.
Topics to be covered include: the law, patrol operations, use of force training, de-escalation techniques, arrest procedures, accident and criminal investigations, substance use disorder, crime preventions, community policing and more.
There is no fee, and police only request that participants come ready to be involved in the discussions and demonstrations.
The academy starts Wednesday, Oct. 5 and will run each Wednesday for seven weeks from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Applications are due on Friday, Sept. 30. Space is limited and applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. Applicants must be 18 or older.
Click here to find the application information: http://watertownpd.org/2016/09/citizen-police-academy/