Reading, MA — Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department will offer a Citizens Police Academy (CPA) for community members.
The CPA will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 13, and will run through Tuesday, Nov. 8. Classes will be held at the Reading Police Department and the Pleasant Street Center on Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Through the CPA, participants will get a tour of the station, see the inside and outside of police cruisers, and learn about investigations, firearms, dispatch procedures, and crime prevention tactics via classroom teaching and demonstrations. Participants will also get to meet the Reading Police Department’s comfort dogs Cooper and Rusty.
After graduating the program, participants will get to schedule a ride along with a Reading police officer. Participants must attend at least six out of nine classes in order to schedule a ride-along.
“We’re excited to invite community members to come and get a close-up view of the work that we do to protect the community, while also having an opportunity to meet and get to know Reading officers who work in the community,” said Deputy Chief Christine Amendola.”We are thrilled to once again offer this amazing program, and I encourage all residents to participate,” said Chief Clark. “Our staff thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to teach classes and interact with the public we serve.”
To register for the academy, download an application here. Applications should be returned in-person or via email to Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy, who can be reached via email.
Participants must be 16 years old with parental consent or 18 years old to register. Limited space is available. Those looking for more information are asked to contact Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy at (781) 942-6761.
