Peabody Police 'Citizen's Academy' Back In Session

PEABODY, MA — Peabody residents looking to gain insight into the daily operations of the city's police work, and the work of the district attorney's office and Essex House of Corrections, are encouraged to apply for the return of the city's "Citizens Academy."

The 11th Citizens Academy will include examining the department's work in computer crimes, CRACE, terrorism, the legal process, motor vehicle law, patrol procedures, domestic violence and investigations. There is also a firearms instruction in which "students will have the opportunity to shoot various weapons at our indoor firing range."

Students can also participate in motor vehicle stop scenarios and take a tour of the Middleton House of Correction.

"The Citizen's Academy allows residents to become much more familiar with the inner workings of the Peabody Police Department," Police Chief Tom Griffin said. "Participants gain an entirely different perspective into the community in which they live when they learn to see things through the eyes of a police officer."

Instructors include those from the Peabody Police Department, Essex County District Attorney's office, Massachusetts State Police and the Peabody Health Collaborative.

Class participation is strongly encouraged.

"We hope and expect that participants will graduate from the Citizen's Academy with a newfound appreciation for what we as police officers do," said Captain Scott Richards who is spearheading the Academy. "Participants will finish with a good deal of first-hand knowledge of how the Department operates.

"It will be a real eye-opener."

Those interested can apply here.

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(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.)