Hamilton Police Launching Second Citizens Academy

The is planning a second Citizens Police Academy - scheduled for this fall.

Anyone who is interested in participating is asked to sign up now. The academy will start on Sept. 18 and run ten consecutive Tuesday nights from 6:30-9:30 p.m. though Nov. 20.

There is no charge to take part, but enrollment is limited to 20 people over the age of 18. It is open to anyone but preference will be given to Hamilton residents.

The Citizen Police Academy is designed to familiarize citizens with the operation and function of the Hamilton Police Department. Hamilton Police .

Chief Russell Stevens said this year’s academy would be expanded a little bit, based on feedback from the first one. Participants asked for a tour of the Middleton Jail, for example, he said.

The academy will include classes covering various topics, including criminal law, patrol procedures, domestic violence, motor vehicle enforcement, identity theft, cyber crimes, emergency communication center, court procedures and use of force.

Hamilton Police officers, police supervisors, Hamilton firefighters and dispatch personnel will teach the courses.

In addition to the classes, all academy participants will complete a 2-hour police ride along where they will observe police officers on patrol.

Betty Gray is a Hamilton resident who took part in the academy last fall. In , she said that it "was a wonderful experience and gave us much needed insight into the lives and work of the police."

For anyone who wants to take part, applications may be picked up at the Hamilton Police Department, Hamilton Town Clerk’s office at or downloaded on the Hamilton Police website. Additionally, you may also request an application packet by contacting Sgt. Stephen Walsh or Sgt. Stephen Trepanier at 978-468-1212. A copy of the application is also attached to this story as a PDF.

The deadline to submit an application is Monday, Aug. 17.