Salem Police Give Glimpse Into Force With 'Citizens' Academy'

SALEM, MA — Salem residents can get a good glimpse into police procedures ranging from firearms to use-of-force protocols to crime scene investigations during the upcoming Citizens' Academy.

The 10-week academy is set to begin on March 30 and will provide insight into the department, discuss current case law that affects policing today and give a general understanding of the day-to-day duties of a Salem police officer.

Weekly topics also include patrols, search and seizures, modern-day policing technology and other topics of interest taught by patrolmen and superior officers with expertise in the specific topics.

Anyone who attends at least eight of the classes will also be able to go along with a "ride-along." Students will also have access to the department's firing range under the supervision of a police firearms instructor.

The classes will be held Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Salem Police Station. The classes are free but space is limited to 25 students.

Applications will be available starting this week here and must be completed by March 16.

(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.)