PEABODY — The Peabody Police Department will be hosting its popular Citizens Academy again this year. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from Oct. 12 through Dec. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Police Department headquarters, 6 Allens Lane.
The application deadline to register for this class is Monday, Oct. 3.
Several topics will be covered in the academy including, computer crimes, CRASE (civilian response to active shooter events), terrorism, the legal process, motor vehicle law, patrol procedures, domestic violence and Investigations.
The program also includes a firearms class where students will have the opportunity to shoot various weapons at the police department’s indoor firing range, participate in motor vehicle stop scenarios, and take a tour of the Middleton House of Corrections.
“The Citizen’s Academy allows residents to become much more familiar with the inner workings of the Peabody Police Department,” said Police Chief Tom Griffin. “Participants gain an entirely different perspective into the community in which they live when they learn to see things through the eyes of a police officer.”
The instructors for the academy include members of the Peabody Police Department, the Essex County District Attorney’s office, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Peabody Healthy Collaborative.
“We hope and expect that participants will graduate from the Citizen’s Academy with a
newfound appreciation for what we as police officers do,” said Captain Scott Richards who spearheads the Academy. “Participants will finish with a good deal of first-hand knowledge of how the Department operates. It will be a real eye opener.”
Richards said spots are limited but seats are still available. He encourages people to sign up early.
“This year we have had a lot of interest from city employees and elected officials, which is great because we have been trying to get involved, especially with police reform,” said Richards. “All of our instructors are well versed in their subject matter and we strongly encourage class participation.I feel confident that this year we will be successful.”
Residents can apply for the Citizen Academy by picking up an application at the police station or by downloading the application from the Peabody Police Department website,
Completed applications can be mailed to or dropped off at the Peabody Police Department, 6 Allens Lane, Peabody, or emailed to Sgt. Javier Sanchez or Richards at [email protected] or [email protected], respectively
For more information about the program, call Sanchez at 978-538-6396 or Richards at 978-538-6359.