The Holliston Police Department has scheduled its sixth Citizen’s Police Academy for October 14^th through November 18^th.  The focus of this six-week academy is to educate citizens about the Holliston Police Department, its organization, operations and role in the community.  Participants gain an understanding of police department responsibilities and the laws that govern it.  The concept of the Citizens Police Academy involves opening the Holliston Police Department to the public, and showing citizens exactly what we do and how we do it.  Given our commitment to the community and proactive problem solving, we see the Citizens Police Academy as an effective way of bringing law enforcement and the public together in an informal, educational forum

As a result, of attending, graduates of the Citizens Police Academy will be better equipped to assess safety issues and share with others their knowledge of law enforcement practices and policies.  Classes will be taught by members of the police department and other individuals in the criminal justice field.  This will be a hands-on, interactive, behind-the-scenes program taught by instructors who will share their unique perspective on law enforcement.  Topics covered will include: crime scene investigations, narcotics investigations, traffic crash investigations, traffic enforcement, use of force tactics, firearm simulator, and OUI detection and enforcement.  A police ride-along, which will be individually scheduled, will also be offered prior to graduation.

There is no cost to attend the Academy and it is open to all residents 17 and older.  Classes will be held Thursday evenings, 5:30pm-8:30pm in the John E. Johnson Memorial Training Room at the police department.  Background checks are done on all applicants and unsuitable candidates need not apply.  Accepted applicants are expected to attend every class, as class size is being limited to ensure proper distancing efforts.  Those interested are asked to email Sergeant Matthew Waugh at Waugh@HollistonPolice.com or Sergeant Jonathan Remkus at Remkus@HollistonPolice.com.

Publishers’ Note: We are graduates of the 2016 Citizens Police Academy. As newcomers to town at that time, we joined to meet fellow citizens. We made many friends through the experience. Most importantly, we met the kind, caring, compassionate professionals who have sworn to keep our community safe. The ride-along was amazing to bring the reality of police work to life for each participant.