Citizens

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Due to a scheduling conflict, the Presque Isle Police Department has postponed the start date for its Citizens’ Academy.
“The department originally planned to start the program on March 27 but due to a conflict in scheduling, we decided to extend the application date, with a new start date of April 24,” said Sgt. Mark Barnes, director of the program.
   Classes will be held each Tuesday night beginning at 6 p.m. at the Presque Isle Police Department.
“Sessions will run approximately three hours each, once a week, covering a variety of topics, including weapons, domestic assault, drugs and forensic investigation,” said Barnes.
Drugs, domestic and sexual assault are three issues that seriously impact a community. Instructors will provide information on what to look for and what should be done when dealing with situations involving these and other topics.
Participants may also get a chance, weather permitting, to ride the department’s mule ATV using special goggles designed to create the effect of driving drunk. Each of the department’s K-9s, Hunter and Dozer, along with their handlers, will provide demonstrations of their tracking and sniffing abilities.
“Hunter specializes in tracking people, while Dozer’s expertise is in locating various drugs, including marijuana,” said Barnes.
Barnes hopes by delaying the class by a month, more individuals will express interest in taking the course – a course offered free of charge.
“All it will cost is the time invested in attending classes,” said Barnes.
That small investment in time is well worth it, said Barnes, since participants can take their newly-acquired knowledge and implement it in their everyday lives.
“An informed individual is better able to respond to different circumstances. Classes also give citizens the opportunity to get to know their local law enforcement officers as they gain a better understanding of what officers do on a daily basis,” said Barnes.
Space is available on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information, contact Barnes at 764-4476. Applications can be obtained by visiting the department’s Web site at www.pipd.us.
Whether you have an interest in studying criminal justice, are a concerned parent wanting more information on how to keep your children safe from drugs and other issues or just are curious about what police officers do during their daily routine, this class offers citizens the chance to learn more about their local department and its staff.
“All interested individuals are welcome to apply, using the application found online,” said Barnes. “We’re looking forward to another good session,” said Barnes.