Reading, MA — Chief David Clark is pleased to announce that the Reading Police Department once again will offer a Citizens Police Academy (CPA) for community members.
The CPA will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 12, and will run through Tuesday, Nov. 7. Classes will be held at the Reading Police Department and the Pleasant Street Center on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 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 meet Cooper and Rusty, the Reading Police Department’s comfort dogs and Reading Police K-9 Tango and his partner Officer Chris Briere will also perform a K-9 demonstration.
Graduates who attend at least six of the nine classes may schedule a ride along with a Reading police officer.
“Our Citizens Police Academy is a great opportunity for community members to learn about the work we do at the Reading Police Department as we seek to protect the community,” said Deputy Chief Christine Amendola.
“I encourage all residents who qualify to sign up and check out all of the interesting topics we cover in our Citizens Police Academy,” said Chief Clark. “Anyone who is interested in law enforcement and learning more about police work should join us.”
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 at koshaughnessy@ci.reading.ma.us.
Participants must be 18 years old to register, or 16 years old with parental consent. Space is limited.
Those looking for more information are asked to contact Community Service Officer Kristen O’Shaughnessy at 781-942-6761.
