Got What it Takes?

The Guilford Police Department is presently accepting applications for the 2012 Citizens' Academy Class, which will begin Thursday March 15 at 7 p.m. at the Guilford Police Department, 400 Church Street, Guilford.

The nine classes will meet on Thursdays through the May 17 graduation at the Police Department Headquarters, with the exception of April 12 for school vacation. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and pass a background investigation.

Applications may be obtained online on the Guilford Police Department's website (www.ci.guilford.ct.us/police/index.html), or at the front desk at the Police Station, and must be turned in completed to the Police Department by Wednesday, Feb. 29. Class size is limited to the first 30 applicants who meet the above requirements.

The purpose of the aAcademy is to give the public a peek into what is involved in what the department does on a daily basis, and to give a perspective to persons considering a career in law enforcement. The classes will include: An overview of the department, patrol procedure, crime scene investigation, motor vehicle law, and a guest speaker or field trip, among other topics. The classes will conclude with an informal graduation ceremony on May 17, then a ride-a-long program where class members spend an evening riding in a patrol car on a shift with a Guilford officer. The classes are offered free of charge.

Any questions concerning the Citizens' Academy should be directed to Sgt. Dane Lawrence at 203 453 8061.