Learn About Police Life In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police are offering folks a sneak peak at life "Behind the Badge" and they're looking for people to sign up for the department's "Citizen's Academy" to do just that.

The West Hartford Police Department announced this month that it is accepting civilian applications for the "Behind the Badge Citizen's Academy."

This is a once-a-week class that meets eight times starting on Wednesday, Sept. 28, through Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the West Hartford Police Department, 103 Raymond Road.

"The program is specially designed to introduce the community to the reality of a career in law enforcement," reads the WHPD's social media announcement of the academy.

Each class will be taught by sworn and civilian members of the WHPD.

Classes will help residents become more familiar with the procedures, practices, problems, concerns and challenges that face law enforcement officers.

"Our goal is to allow our citizens, through education, to become more informed of what our department has to offer," the WHPD wrote.

Topics to be covered include everything from 911 communications, training and police investigation tactics.

Each participant can, even, get a four-hour patrol ride-along, police said.

For any additional questions, contact the WHPD Community Relations Division at 860-570-8820.

For the West Hartford Police Department Facebook page, click on this link.

For the West Hartford Police Department website, click on this link.

To apply and sign up for the "Behind the Badge Citizens Academy," click on this link.