Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Rochester Police to Host Citizens Police Academy

ROCHESTER — Chief Paul Toussaint is pleased to announce that Rochester residents are once again invited to participate in the Rochester Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy.

The academy is an 11 week program that begins on March 13 and runs through May 22. The program is designed acquaint civilians with the duties that law enforcement — including detectives, prosecutors and juvenile diversion officers — perform on a daily basis.

Academy participants will also get an in-depth look at the Rochester Police Department’s different units, including forensics, SWAT, accident reconstruction and its K9 officer. The program also offers an opportunity to experience hands-on training with the department’s computerized simulator and indoor shooting range.

The program also enables residents to better understand the rules, regulations and policies that police officers are sworn to follow, and provides a stronger sense of the broad range of responsibilities and challenges Rochester Police officers face in serving the community.

“This is an opportunity for residents and police officers to meet in a friendly setting and get to know one another on a more personal level,” said Capt. Todd Pinkham, who oversees the program. “I’m eager to welcome this year’s academy class, and I’m confident that it will once again be a fun and positive experience for citizens and officers alike.”

Classes will meet weekly on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.

Residents can visit Rochesterpd.org to print the required authorization forms. Applications can be submitted via email, fax, mail or in-person at the police station. All forms should be submitted to the attention of Capt. Pinkham. Prospective participants will be required to undergo a brief background and criminal records check.

Class size is limited, and applications must be submitted by Thursday, Feb. 22.

All participants must be 18 years of age or older, or 15 if accompanied by a parent.

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