Have you ever wanted to perform a high-risk traffic stop? Make a split-second use of force decision? Experience what goes on behind the scenes of a 911 call? Observe Gorham’s K-9 unit in action?
Those attending the Citizen’s Police Academy have been very impressed with the professionalism and scope of what Gorham’s officers respond to as part of their job. Brian Jones, who attended the second Police Academy, commented, “If the readers will attend a Police Academy class in Gorham as I just did with Chief Dan Jones, Sergeant Ted Hatch and company, that respect will likely increase to awe, as in ‘I had no idea’ about the training, professionalism, procedures, complexities and stress as well as the risks, oh and paperwork. Despite of and because of these ‘awes’ the camaraderie among our Gorham Police officers is awesome and heartening.”
The next ten-week course begins on September 19 and will run every Tuesday from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The purpose of the Academy is to expose citizens to the functions of the Maine Criminal Justice System and to introduce and maintain a working knowledge of the Gorham Police Department. Attendees have an opportunity to extensively learn from, interact with, and question the experienced professionals of the Gorham Police Department.
Applications are available at the Police Department or on the Town’s website here. Attendees must be at least 21 years old, live in Gorham or be employed by the Town of Gorham, have no prior felony arrests (or misdemeanor arrests in the last five years), and must agree to a basic background check.
Sgt. Ted Hatch who runs the program noted that the feedback has been extremely positive as people learn how the Police Department operates and what people have taken away from the program with comments such as “remarkable, a truly worthwhile experience, almost like being in real situations.”