West Hartford Citizens Police Academy Right Around The Corner

WEST HARTFORD — Beginning Sept. 29, the West Hartford Police Department will be hosting its Citizens Police Academy program later this month.

The program is slated to run for eight weeks on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9. It is designed to offer an inside look at the police department and police operations.

Adult members of the community are invited to apply for acceptance in the program. Anyone over the age of 21 can apply and candidates will be subject to a background check. Class size will be limited to approximately 25 participants. Proof of coronavirus vaccination will be required and the program will follow guidelines.

The eight-week semester will offer a myriad of educational classes presented by the sworn and civilian members of the WHPD. Topics will be presented in one- to three-hour segments.

The purpose of each class topic is to make residents more familiar with the "procedures, practices, problems, concerns and challenges that face law enforcement officers in the performance of their duties," officials said.

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

Topics may include but are not limited to:

• Communications / 911
• Recruitment
• Training
• FTO Program
• ESU/Emergency Response
• Patrol Procedures
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Polygraph
• Use of Force/Defensive Tactics
• Canne Unit
• Home Security/Fraud
• Firearms Automated Training System
• DUI
• Sexual Offenders
• A four-hour patrol ride-along

Applications can be obtained on social media or at the police department.