Chief Scott J. McNamara and the Methuen Police Department congratulate the graduates of the Methuen Police Department’s 2023 Citizens Police Academy.
At the end of June, 15 Methuen residents graduated from the Citizens Police Academy with CPR cards and firearm safety certificates thanks to just some of the lessons they learned during a 12-week course covering all aspects of law enforcement.
Classes were held at the police department each Wednesday night from April 5 to June 21, with participants introduced to patrol operations, detectives, the regional SWAT team, and topics as varied as communications, substance use disorder, arrest procedures, and the legal differences between felonies and misdemeanors.
Participants were able to see K-9 demonstrations while learning about K-9 units, to use radar to track the speed of vehicles, to visit a mock crime scene, to observe a Taser demonstration while learning about police use of force, and to experience a “shoot or don’t shoot” drill meant to train police on proper use of firearms. Certified firearms instructor Barry Mills provided equipment to facilitate the shoot or don’t shoot drill.
Participants also received CPR training that led to them obtaining CPR cards, and training in the safe use of firearms that led to obtaining firearm safety certificates.
“We offer our Citizens Police Academy in an effort to help community members better understand what it is that we do,” said Chief McNamara. “We believe that the academy helps increase our transparency, and helps to familiarize Methuen residents with everything we do to serve our community. I would like to thank this year’s graduates for their interest in law enforcement, and congratulate them on completing the academy.”
To learn more about the Citizen’s Police Academy, or to find out when it will be offered again, contact Community Outreach Supervisor Sgt. Kevin Dzioba at 978-983-8711, or kdzioba@ci.methuen.ma.us.