HAMPDEN, Maine — Last offered three years ago, the Hampden Public Safety Citizen Academy is returning next month.
During the 12-week interactive program, which begins April 7, participants will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays to learn about the duties, responsibilities and skills needed to be a police officer, firefighter and paramedic, Hampden police Sgt. Chris Bailey said.
“There are many misconceptions about public safety, some of which have been created by television and other forms of media. We hope to give the public a true perspective, doing away with some of the negative connotations associated with police work and public safety in general,” the program brochure notes. “A greater understanding will create a stronger relationship with the public.”
The topics covered include patrol procedures, evidence collection, drug investigations, search and seizure, Taser operation, use of force and emergency medical services protocols as well as Jaws of Life and pumper truck demonstrations.
Participants also will tour the Penobscot Regional Communications Center and Penobscot County Jail and will have opportunities for role playing.
The academy, which is being offered at no cost to participants, is open to those who are at least 18 years old; who live, work or own a business in Hampden, Winterport or Newburgh; and who have no prior felony or other disqualifying convictions. Background checks will be conducted before the start of the course.
The deadline for applying is March 31.
Applications can be found on the town’s website, hampdenmaine.gov, under the Public Safety section; on Hampden Public Safety’s Facebook page, facebook.com/hampdenpublicsafety; or at the station, located at 106 Western Ave.
For more information, call Bailey or Officer Marc Egan at 862-4000.