Citizens

 PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Can’t get enough of crime dramas? Ever wonder how police handle different situations? Now’s the chance to learn first-hand how and why law enforcement officers do what they do.
     The Presque Isle Police Department is once again offering its Citizens’ Academy, designed to teach participants the ins and outs of the local police department. Classes will meet each week for 10 weeks, beginning March 27, with a new topic being discussed each session.
“Classes will run for approximately three hours each week, beginning at 6 p.m.,” said Sgt. Mark Barnes, of the PIPD.
PIPD officers will provide instruction on a number of topics, including: domestic violence, traffic and criminal law, OUI enforcement, crime scene investigations, use of force, K-9 tracking and firearms.
At the completion of the course, students will have the opportunity to ride along with officers on the streets of Presque Isle.
“The police department feels this is a unique opportunity for the residents of the city to meet their police department personnel and see what they do,” said Barnes.
Barnes has been putting these classes together for several years now as an informative way to teach citizens about the various aspects of law enforcement. No fee will be charged and the academy is open to anyone meeting ‘academy qualifications.’
“Residents wishing to attend must be at least 18 years of age – or 16 years of age if accompanied by a parent – and have no felony convictions. Applications can be picked up at the PIPD at 43 North Street Suite 2,” said Barnes.
For more information or to register, call Barnes at 764-4476.