Looking for an inside view behind the scenes of law enforcement? Once again, the Bristol Police will be offering their Citizens Police Academy, from Jan. 12 to March 16, 2023, a ten-week program that will meet on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m.

The training will include classroom instruction, demonstration, tours, and hands-on practical applications. Instructors will be members of the Bristol Police Department, including officers, supervisors, and administrators. Learn about everything from criminal procedure and law, enforcement of DUI laws, how detectives approach a crime scene, and the roles of the school resource officer and comfort dog.

Anyone 18 years of age or older who lives or works in Bristol, and who has no prior felony convictions (or misdemeanor convictions in the past year) is eligible to attend. The Academy will be held at the Bristol Police Department Headquarters' training room at 395 Metacom Ave., and is free. Participants are required to attend at least 8 of the 10 classes to be eligible for graduation.

Applications may be downloaded from the BPD website at www.bristolri.gov/departments/police/police-outreach or picked up in the lobby of the Bristol Police Department Headquarters. Deadline is Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Enrollment is limited to 30 participants. There is no cost to attend the program, except for the time that must be invested.

“Community involvement in a police department is absolutely critical and valued,” said Police Chief Kevin Lynch in a written statement. “The term ‘community policing’ denotes that philosophy, and one that I strongly support. As such, the Citizens Academy provides an excellent way to get to know the department and the people who are committed to your safety.”

I sincerely encourage you to consider participating in the Citizens Police Academy, and believe you will truly enjoy learning more about your department and community.”

Some topics to be offered include:
• Tour/Introduction/Department Overview
• Accreditation
• Use of Force
• Taser/OC/Bolo Wrap
• SRO/Comfort Dog
• Ride-a-long
• Criminal Law/Criminal Procedure
• FATS Simulation
• Enforcement/DUI
• Detectives & Mock Crime Scene
• Patrol Functions Traffic

For more information, email Sgt. Ricardo Mourato at rmourato@bristolri.gov.