The Potomac Highlands Dispatch - the online newspaper

City police to hold Citizens' Academy

For PhDispatch.com
CUMBERLAND, March 19 -- Cumberland Police Chief Charles Hinnant invites local citizens to participate in the 2011 Cumberland Police Department Citizens' Academy.

The program will begin April 14 and will run for eight consecutive Thursday evenings until June 2. Each class begins at 6:30 p.m. And ends at 8:30 p.m. at police headquarters, 20 Bedford St., Cumberland.

The primary objective of the academy is designed to afford an opportunity for community, business and religious leaders to become informed and educated about the many aspects of police work. It is designed to give the attendees exposure to why police respond to various situations in a particular way and how they ultimately handle those situations.

The academy will give attendees the opportunity to see the benefits of public service and learn about the challenges and demands associated with law enforcement. Attendees will learn about selected police units and will participate in practical applications that demonstrate the aspects of a police officer's job. They will gain a greater understanding of the safety procedures required in policing and will learn some of the techniques used in addressing crime in our community.

Participants will see a live demonstration of a traffic stop, meet with District Court employees and tour the Emergency Opeartions/911 Dispatch Center, the Allegany County Detention Center and the Maryland State Police Hangar for Trooper 5, among other things.

"The ultimate goal of the Citizens' Academy is to foster relationships between law enforcement, communities and businesses," Hinnant said. "The department hopes to create an alliance that leaves us with voices in the community, improving upon our partnerships to create a better quality of life for those we serve."

Applicants must be 18 years of age and are subjected to a background check. Applications are available on the Cumberland Police Department's website, www.ci.cumberland.md.us, or may be obtained in person at the police department. Applications must be returned by Monday, April 4, for class consideration.

Questions? Call Lt. Robert "Rocky" Reed at 301-759-6478.