WASHBURN, Maine — For people interested in learning more about local law enforcement, the Washburn Police Department is holding an eight-week citizens’ police academy.
“It’s basically an effort to connect with the public to give them some insight into what we do,” said Washburn Police Chief Robert Thibeault.
“Your everyday general citizen may not have an idea of what we do and how we do things.”
The eight classes will be held Tuesday evenings at the Washburn Civic Center starting May 15 and cover topics including traffic enforcement, search and seizure, crime scene processing and community policing, Thibeault said.
People who are interested in taking the class should complete the paperwork at the town office by the end of the day on Monday, May 7, Thibeault said.
Thibeault will oversee the class, while Washburn police sergeant Michael Montpetit will lead the classes.
Thibeault said that the class is not intended to train citizens to be police officers, but that it could be a start for someone who wants to think about working part-time or full-time in law enforcement.
“This class would be a good introduction that might pique someone’s interest who doesn’t really know they’re interested yet,” Thibeault said.
Like many other small police departments, the Washburn PD has a hard time finding part-time and reserve officers, who have to undergo extensive training and background checks
“There’s a complete lack of interest for people who want to work part-time as reserve officers,” Thibeault said. “I continually have holes in our schedule that I’m unable to fill.”
