Marblehead Police Expand Citizen Academy

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead Police Department expanded its community outreach efforts with the introduction of Citizens Police Academy 2.0.

This advanced program builds on the original nine-week academy, which has been available to residents since 2018.

The Citizens Police Academy 2.0 was developed after the Marblehead TRIAD identified a desire for more in-depth police education. TRIAD is a partnership involving local law enforcement, the Council on Aging, and senior residents, aimed at enhancing safety and reducing fear of crime for older residents.

The inaugural 2.0 academy spanned five weeks and involved 20 community members. Participants explored various topics, including crime scene investigation techniques, how the Marblehead Police Department handles First Amendment expressions like protests, and elder abuse. These sessions 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 also provided insights into the town's administrative role, covering promotions, personnel matters, and managing unexpected situations.

Shelly Sevinor, Senior Director of Clinical Services Programs at AgeSpan, and Mental Health Counselor Gina Rabitt educated participants on elder abuse, with Rabitt detailing the co-response with Marblehead Police for mental health calls. The program also included a tour of 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," Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King said. "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."

"The depth of knowledge that we received on the different programs that are available that most people had no idea about is so helpful to the community," participant Gayle Colinet said. "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."

Participants must complete the standard Citizens Academy before enrolling in the 2.0 version.

The next standard academy is scheduled for eight weeks, from April 23 to June 11, on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 p.m.

Applications are not yet open, but residents can find more information on the Marblehead Police Department website.