Greenwich Citizens Police Academy Accepting Applications

Lifelong Greenwich resident Laverne Lord says she now understands that being a Greenwich Police officer “is not just riding around in a squad car giving tickets.”

Lord said that she came to that realization while participating in last fall’s Greenwich Citizens Police Academy (CPA). Her participation in the seven-week program also helped her make a career decision — she’s now preparing for a law enforcement career and has says that several of the officers who teach the multi-disciplined program have been helpful in assisting her prepare for police entrance exams.

“I know that they’re taking their life in their hands when pulling someone over. You’re seeing people on their bad day,” Lord explained.

Lord and another CPA graduate, Cos Cob lawyer Frank Trotta said of his experience, “You learn so much about your police department and it makes you feel so much safer in your town.” Trotta said of the Greenwich CPA, “I’ve taken the FBI academy and this is much more hands on. It’s worth every minute.”

According to police spokesman Lt. Kraig Gray, there are still some seats available in the Fall 2014 CPA which begins Sept. 30. Admission is open to Greenwich residents and people who work in town who are at least 18 years of age.

The CPA meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9 o’clock at Greenwich Police headquarters, 11 Bruce Pl. Topics include use of force, patrol operations, crime prevention, motor vehicle stops and DWI, narcotics investigations, the Special Response Unit, domestic violence and criminal investigations and forensics.

The application can be downloaded here.