Citizens Police Academy returns for fourth session

by Staff Pioneer Times
13 years ago

By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Are you curious what it is like to be a police officer? Ever wonder how it feels to be the spouse of an officer? If so, then Houlton Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy may be just the thing for you.
    The department is now accepting applications for its 4th annual Citizens Police Academy. The 10-week program begins on Thursday, March 1, at 6 p.m. in the training room of the fire department. Applications can be obtained at www.houltonpolice.com or by coming into the station. Applications can also be mailed by calling the station at 532-2287.
    Classes generally run from 6-9 p.m. with at least two breaks during the evening. The class is open to citizens in the greater Houlton area to include Hodgdon, New Limerick, Linneus, Monticello, Cary, Amity, Hammond, Littleton, Smyrna, Dyer Brook, Merrill, Oakfield and Ludlow.
    Class size is limited to 30 people. The class is free. Graduates receive a T-shirt, certificate of completion and a Houlton Police Department challenge coin.
    With parental or a guardian’s permission, junior and senior high school students may attend from Houlton and Hodgdon High schools
    “To complete the program, cadets must attend at least 80 percent of the classes,” said Butch Asselin, Houlton Police Chief. “Cadets will hear presentations on the department’s budget, drug investigations, crime scene investigations, radar, community policing programs, a K-9 demonstration, use of force, domestic violence, sexual assault, tasers, operating under the influence, duties of the animal control officer and the cadets will hear from one of the wives on what it is like to be married to a police officer.”
    A firearms demonstration will also take place at the shooting range and cadets will experience the effects of a simulated traffic stop and low-speed chase at the Houlton International Airport. A ride along is available for graduates of the program. Seating is limited. For more information please contact Community Resource Officer Stephen Nason.