MARBLEHEAD — Since 2018, Marblehead residents have taken part in the Citizens Police Academy, a nine-week look behind the badge of a Marblehead Police officer.
Participants heard presentations from officers and law enforcement experts, visited courthouses, and played the role of officer during a simulation of a critical incident, gaining important perspective about those who keep the town safe.
But the people wanted more, and Citizens Police Academy 2.0 was born.
Marblehead TRIAD, a partnership bringing together local law enforcement, the Council on Aging, and seniors to enhance safety, reduce fear of crime, and improve the quality of life for older residents, brought up the idea of a 2.0 version of the academy at one of their monthly meetings.
TRIAD created an advanced version of the academy, available to those who had completed the standard academy, that allowed participants a deeper look into police work.
One day a week for five weeks, 20 community members participated in the inaugural 2.0 academy. Participants learned about the goals of the police academy, crime scene investigation techniques, how the Marblehead Police Department facilitates First Amendment expression through various social movements such as protests, and elder abuse.
These conversations were led by members of the Marblehead Police Department, including Lt. David Ostrovitz, Officer James Donovan, Det. Sgt. Sean Brady, and Chief Dennis King. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer provided insight into the Town’s role with the Police Department, including handling promotions, personnel manners, and how to handle unexpected situations in a cohesive and professional manner, and Shelly Sevinor, Senior Director of Clinical Services Programs at AgeSpan and Mental Health Counselor Gina Rabitt educated on elder abuse. Rabbitt spoke in depth about the co-response with Marblehead Police when handling mental health calls..
Participants also toured the Essex County Correctional Facility in Middleton.
“We are really proud that we have worked with the Marblehead Council on Aging and the Police Department to provide a really innovative and great program to the residents of Marblehead,” said Chief King. “We say all the time, we get equal back from our participants as we give, but the hope is that we provide an understanding of what we do and why we do it.”
After hearing positive reviews from participants, who have already asked for a 3.0 version of the academy, the Police Department has already started planning for the next Citizen’s Academy 2.0, and are brainstorming ways they can make it even more immersive.
“The depth of knowledge that we received on the different programs that are available that most people had no idea about are so helpful to the community,” said Gayle Colinet, a participant in the 2.0 Academy. “It’s just been amazing, and I think every citizen should attend at least one academy session. It’s really a powerful community outreach program that does wonders for the Town.”
To attend the Citizens Academy 2.0, participants must first attend the standard Citizens Academy. The next Academy will be held over eight weeks, from April 23-June 11 on Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m.
Applications for the Citizens Academy are not yet open, but residents can visit the Marblehead Police Department website at marbleheadma.gov/police/ to learn more. The Department will let residents know once the application is available.
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