LISBON — The Lisbon Police Department will hold its third annual Citizens Police Academy for adults, starting this month.

The 10-week program is open to all residents free of charge. The deadline to sign up is Feb. 13 and classes will begin Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the police department. Classes will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays until May 5. The academy will cover all facets of police work in the community and is designed to promoted better understanding of police work and procedures.

All presentations will be done by police department personnel. Students will be treated to a hands-on instructional approach including a ride-along program. They will receive instruction in crime scene investigations, including crime scene security and evidence-gathering and preservation. Also included are traffic stops, including operating under the influence, drug interdiction and high-risk stops.

Other topics are public safety communication, report-writing requirements, courtroom demeanor and testimony with several student-participatory demonstrations of the Lisbon Police K-9 Unit that will include drug interdiction, and search and seizure capabilities.

Further instruction will include a presentation of the department’s approach to domestic violence intervention and follow-up, as well as the department’s proactive efforts with juvenile issues and education programs within the town and the schools. 

The last session will begin with a certificate presentation and closing remarks by police Chief David Brooks. Students will participate in a program in which each student will be given the opportunity to “be the cop” in severe, spontaneous shoot/don’t shoot situations.

Applicants can obtain and turn in their applications at the Lisbon Police Department at 300 Lisbon St., Lisbon ME 04250. Questions can be directed to Sgt. Scott Stewart at 353-2500.