Citizen Police Academy Seeks Participants

By Andrew Gorosko

The police department is seeking people interested in participating in a free informational course on local law enforcement, as it relates to the criminal justice system.

Police Patrol Sergeant David Kullgren will serve as the coordinator for the Citizen Police Academy.

The program, which is being offered for the 16th time, is intended for residents and business owners.

The academy is designed to teach participants through classroom sessions and hands-on training, according to the sergeant.

The program will run from March 24 through May 26, The ten sessions will be held from 6 to 9 pm on Thursdays.

The curriculum will include a tour of the police station, the police hiring process, police field training, patrol operations, crime prevention, crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, a police canine demonstration, traffic enforcement, firearms, and weaponry.

Also, information will be provided on drunken driving enforcement, motor vehicle laws, juvenile law, and law related to the schools.

Participants would have an opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer for a four-hour period. (Participants will not be placed in any dangerous situations.)

The course will be taught by local police officers and some guest speakers.

The academy is open to town residents and the residents from surrounding towns. The minimum age to participate is 18. Class size is limited to 25, with preference given to Newtown residents.

Applications are available at the police station at 3 Main Street, as well as on the police department’s website, www.newtown-ct.gov/Public_Documents/NewtownCT_Police/index.

Applicants will be subject to a criminal history record verification prior to acceptance into the Citizen Police Academy.

People with questions about the program may contact Sgt Kullgren at 203-426-5841. His e-mail address is david.kullgren@newtown-ct.gov.