A Look Behind The Badge: Salem Police To Host Citizens' Academy

SALEM, MA — Salem residents looking to learn what's like to spend a day on patrol, be part of an investigation or fire a gun are invited to apply for the upcoming Citizens' Police Academy 10-week course beginning in April.

The course will also cover current case law, search and seizure rules, crime scene forensics, use-of-force protocols and the new technology involved with police work.

Topics will be taught by patrolmen and superior officers with particular expertise in the subject matter.

Those participating will also be able to take part in a "ride along" during a patrol shift and use the department's firing range under supervision.

The Academy will be held at the Salem police station on Wednesdays beginning on April 5 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Applications will be available starting Tuesday with a class limit of 25. Applications will be available at the front desk of the police station and online here. Applications are due on March 28.

This is intended to be the first part of a two-part class with the timing and topics for a second session set to be announced in the future.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)