Sign Up Now for Northampton’s Citizen Police Academy, Starts February 16

Today’s Gazette reports that there are still 11 seats open in the next Northampton Citizen Police Academy. The 10-week course begins on February 16. There is no charge. Questions? Contact SSgt. Jody Kasper, Patrol and CPA Supervisor.

From the Northampton Police Department website:



Citizen Police Academy



The Northampton Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is a program designed to enhance citizen understanding of the role and function of the police department. The Citizen Police Academy is an excellent opportunity for community members to better understand the inner-workings of the police department and to meet the talented and professional men and women of the Northampton Police Department.


Program Description


The Citizen Police Academy is a 10-week course that meets one night once a week for three (3) hours. The course includes lectures, class discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on opportunities for class participants.



Class Instructors


The course is instructed by police administrators, patrol and detective supervisors, detectives and police officers from the Northampton Police Department and prosecutors from the Northwestern District Attorney’s office.



Course Topics



  • Recruitment & Training
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Death Investigations
  • Criminal Law
  • Rights of Arrest
  • Motor Vehicle Law/Radar/Lidar/Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
  • Firearms Training
  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Assault Investigations
  • Use of Force
  • Communications/Dispatch
  • Narcotics Investigations
  • Computer Crimes
  • Forensics

Course Time


The next Citizen Police Academy class is scheduled to begin on February 16, 2010.  Classes will take place every Tuesday evening from 6:00-9:00 PM until the conclusion of the program on April 20, 2010.  As of September 1, 2009, applications are now being accepted.


Course Location


The 2010 Citizen Police Academy will be held in the Community Room at the John F. Kennedy Middle School located at 100 Bridge Road in Florence.


Qualifications


Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must pass a background check. Preference will be given to Northampton residents. Three seats will be held for high school students who are under 18 years of age but who exhibit exceptional maturity and interest in the field of law enforcement.


Applications


We are currently accepting applications for the 2010 Citizen Police Academy. Applications are available in the lobby of the police station and can also be obtained here.  All applications should be dropped off or mailed to the police station, ATTN:  SSgt. Kasper.