Portsmouth Citizen Police Academy Accepting Applications for Spring Session

The Portsmouth Police Department is now accepting applications for another Citizen Police Academy set to run for 10 weeks from March to April, offering members of the public a chance to get an inside glimpse at the day-to-day operations of the department.

There will be some time in a classroom, but there are tours, demonstrations and hands-on practical applications in an engaging format.

Anyone with an interest in what goes on at the police department, whether it’s to learn about a possible career choice or just to see how busy police really are, can benefit from the academy. Can’t stop watching CSI or a crime drama on Netflix? Give your broadband a break and sign up.

Instructors will be members of the Portsmouth Police Department, so it’s a chance to meet some of the men and women who patrol the streets and keep the department’s headquarters humming. You’ll meet patrol officers, supervisors and administrators.

Topics include harbor patrol, uniformed patrol, traffic codes, domestic violence cases, accident investigations, firearms safety and mock crime scene scenarios.

The program is eligible to residents over 18 and live or work in Portsmouth. People with prior felony convictions are not eligible.

The application period ends on Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. If you’re interested, email bpeters@portsmouth.com before the deadline.

The program will run for 10 weeks from March 3 to May 5. Classes will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings.

Portsmouth police headquarters is at 2270 East Main Road.