Citizens Police Academy returns to Houlton for fourth session

HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy is accepting applications for its fourth annual Citizens Police Academy. The academy will offer insights into how police officers perform their duties and serve the community. The program, which will meet one night each week for 10 weeks, begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the training room of the Fire Department.

“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 take place at the shooting range, and cadets will experience the effects of a simulated traffic stop and low-speed chase at Houlton International Airport. A ride-along is available for graduates of the program.

Classes generally run from 6 to 9 p.m. with at least two breaks during the evening. The class is open to residents in Greater Houlton including 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 a parent or guardian’s permission, junior and senior high school students may attend from Houlton and Hodgdon high schools

Applications can be obtained at www.houltonpolice.com or at the station. Interested residents also may request an application be mailed by calling the station at 532-2287.

For more information, contact community resource officer Stephen Nason.