#Bridgeport, Conn. (Press Release) – Today, the Bridgeport Police Department announced the opening of applications to the Citizens Police Academy, which is designed to give citizens an up-close understanding of the police department and its efforts to prevent and solve crime and protect citizens..
The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to foster a better relationship between the community and the Bridgeport Police Department.
Graduates will gain a better understanding of the Bridgeport Police Department operation, develop an awareness for the challenges officers face, and insight into the decisions officers make on a daily basis.
The program lasts ten weeks, starting in October, and will meet every Tuesday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The program will be held at the Bridgeport Police Training Academy, located at 405 Newfield Ave.
“The Citizens Police Academy is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Bridgeport to interact with and learn about the police department,” said Bridgeport Police Chief Joe Gaudett.
“I encourage those involved in our communities, our many Neighborhood Block Watch Programs, and any other interested citizens to apply to the program. The Citizens Academy will also give police officers another link to the neighborhoods they serve and further strengthen our community policing efforts.”
Included in the program are the following courses:
- Uniform Patrol
- Criminal Investigations
- Crime Scene Processing
- Narcotic and Vice Investigations
- Juvenile Investigations/Gangs
- Criminal Justice System
- Emergency Communications
- Professional Standards
During the program, students will spend time in the 911 center and conduct ride alongs with officers.
Requirements for admission into the academy include:
- Must be 21 years or older.
- A resident of Bridgeport, or
- A business owner in Bridgeport, or
- Involved within the Bridgeport community in some way, such as youth involvement, working within the city, etc.
Applications for the program can be picked up from Bridgeport’s Community Services, which is located at 1395 Sylvan Ave., or Bridgeport Police Department Headquarters at 300 Congress St.
A maximum of 30 students will be selected for the program.