Citizens Police Academy Taking Apps

Another Citizens Police Academcy is starting in East Providence in March.

The tentative date for the start of the academy is March 21. The application period runs through March 4, said Community Relations Officer Thomas Aguiar of the East Providence Police Department.

The academy is a 12-week program of 2- to 3-hour meetings each week, said Aguiar.

"All instructors are East Providence Police Officers who volunteer their time to educate the public on various aspects of law enforcement," he said.

Topics include criminal investigations, patrol operations, crime scene investigation, and communications operations.  Academy members may participate in mock motor vehicle stops, mock building searches, and equipment demonstrations, he said.

"The goal of the academy is to enhance police-community relations by providing citizens with an in-depth look at law enforcement and the officers who execute their policing duties," said Aguiar. 

The academy has been very successful since it started 1996, he said.

You must be 18 and older to participate in the academy, live in East Providence and have no criminal record. Class size is generally limited to 20 members, Aguiar said.

The academy culminates in a graduation ceremony where city officials, police officers, and the participants’ families are invited to attend.  A certificate, Citizens Police Academy pins, and Citizens Police Academy mementos are presented to the graduates, Aguiar said.

You can pick up an application at the Police Department headquarters at 750 Waterman Ave. or by contacting Aguiar at 401-435-7630. 

You can also download an application at the City of East Providence website.