Maren Smagala
What is the Citizens Police Academy?
The Citizens Police Academy is a 4-week program designed to give participants an understanding of select areas of operation of the Clinton Township Police Department and a working knowledge of what these aspects of law enforcement entail. The classes are held once a week and are approximately 3 hours in duration. The classes will be limited to 25 students, so register early. There is no cost for residents to participate. Participants will also receive a Citizens Police Academy T-shirt to wear to class.
Several demonstrations will take place during the academy, in which attendees will be allowed to participate.
The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony and each participant will receive a certificate of completion. The next academy will take place on Monday nights in October, finishing on the first Monday in November.
Why Participate?
The Clinton Township Police Department follows the philosophy of Community Policing and is committed to developing partnerships with citizens of the township. The Citizens Police Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to develop direct lines of communication with the police department. The citizens participating in the academy will have a working knowledge of the Clinton Township Police Department and its functions. It is hoped that the instruction will strengthen police-community rapport through an educational process, increase understanding of police practices and procedures, and dispose of misconceptions. The police department, in turn, becomes more aware of the concerns and questions of the community it serves.
Who Can Attend?
Participants must be at least 21 years of age. Applicants will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. They must be of good moral character. An application for the academy must be completed and signed along with a waiver of liability. You will be notified when you are accepted into the Citizens Police Academy.
What the Academy is Not
The Citizens Police Academy is NOT designed to make participants certified police officers. The participation and completion of the academy is designed to develop partnerships with the community. Graduating from the academy does not grant police authority to participants.
Attendance
You are expected to attend all sessions in order to graduate. We understand that emergencies do occur. If you have more than two absences, you will not be allowed to graduate. Out of courtesy to the instructor(s) and your fellow students, please arrive on time and plan on staying for the duration of each session.
Application
If you are interested in applying for the Citizens Police Academy, you can pick up an application in person at the Clinton Township Police Department, located at 1370 Route 31 North, Annandale, NJ 08801, Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Please return all applications to the same location, during the days and hours noted above, by September 30, 2019. You will be notified if you are selected to participate in the Citizens Police Academy approximately two weeks prior to the class starting. Feel free to contact Patrol Officer Jennifer Petruzziello jpetruzziello@ctpd.org or Patrol Officer Rafaella Vastola rvastola@ctpd.org if you have any specific questions.
