WHAT IS THE CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY?

The Rockland Citizen Police Academy is a training and education program designed to provide citizens, a police academy setting , first-hand information about how their police department, law enforcement, and the justice system in general, really works.  Participation requires a commitment of one night a week for a 12 week period, with graduation occurring the 12th week.  The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional law enforcement academy, but the weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a law enforcement officer.  

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ACADEMY?

The 12-week academy is designed to acquaint citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system, and provide increased understanding of the tasks police officers face on a daily basis.

It is also designed to educate the community on the concept of Community Policing, Police Oriented Problem Solving (POP projects), and the resources the police department can provide in addition to traditional "law enforcement" practices.  With better understanding, it becomes easier for police and citizens to find realistic solutions to neighborhood and community problems.   

WHO TEACHES THE ACADEMY?

The instructors are Department executives, veteran officers, and personnel who teach in their own areas of expertise.    Each instructor has years of training and experience in their field. Sworn officers also bring street experience into the classroom.  Participants will have the opportunity to meet the Chief of Police, Command Staff, and their sector officers.

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED?

DEMONSTRATIONS:
Special Operations Unit (SRT)
K-9 Unit
Crime Scene Investigations Unit (CSI)

INSTRUCTION:
Traffic
Communications
Patrol
Investigations

Volunteer Program

Crisis Negotiations
Community Policing & Problem Solving
School Resource Officer

Firearms Safety

Less Lethal Weapons

Arrest Techniques

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE:
Patrol Car Ride-Along - each participant will ride for a shift to see first-hand what officers see and hear, and what they are trained to do under a variety of circumstances.

Situational Exercises - one evening will be devoted to situational exercises where the participant will  utilize a "shoot-don't-shoot" simulator.

ACADEMY SCHEDULE AND LOCATION

The length of the Citizen Police Academy is 12 weeks. Classes meet Thursday evenings, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The Academy culminates the 12th week with a graduation ceremony that family and friends are welcome to attend. The location of the Academy is the Rockland Police Department, 490 Market Street, Rockland Ma.  

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

Potential candidates must meet the following criteria:

·         Minimum age of 21 years

·         Live or work in Rockland

·         No prior felony convictions

·         No misdemeanor arrests within one year of application and all past arrests will be considered in the screening process.

·         A background check, including fingerprinting will be conducted on all applicants selected to attend the academy.

A cursory background check will be performed on each applicant. You will be notified if you are selected for the next session. There is no fee for the academy. All citizens are encouraged to apply.

HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS SELECTED?

The department attempts to reflect the broadest possible range within our community.

Participants include young and old, men and women and representatives of Rockland's ethnic, cultural and civic groups.

Interested? Call (781) 871-3890 Ext#102
Lieutenant Richard Craig --- Program Director