If you’ve ever wanted to learn the ins and outs of what it’s like to work in law enforcement, then this fall’s Peabody Police Citizens Academy is right up your alley.
The Academy is a unique 10-week program allowing Peabody residents to go behind the scenes of the Police Department and get an insider’s view of the daily duties of police officers, dispatchers, clerical staff and others who work within the department. Captain Scott Richards, the founder of the program, said the department is excited to resume the program after the pandemic forced cancellation of the spring session.
“We were a little bit on the fence about it, but with everything going on, we felt it was important to not only educate our citizens about what we do, but also to hopefully dispel some of the negativity that has been focused on the police,” he said. “The program has always been very enjoyable for us, and I think that people come away with a newfound appreciation for us.”
The program covers a variety of topics including criminal investigations, State Police crime scene processing, crime prevention, community policing and motor vehicle stops, in which officers are used as role players.
“We do it at night to show how dangerous and unpredictable motor vehicle stops can be,” said Richards. “People need to know the main thing is to cooperate when they get stopped. People get nervous, I feel the same way, but you have to stay calm, get past that and comply and that tends to take care of the situation.
“The overriding thing is if you think you are wrong to have been stopped, there is a forum for that, but you have to comply with the police. It’s not the time to resist. Fighting or resisting is not the answer.”
Other sessions include firearms, detectives, school resource officers, domestic violence and canine policing, featuring Akiba, a Belgian Malinois who came on board in January, and his handler, Officer Corey Salvo.
Richards said the use of force session, conducted by Officer Mark Saia, a department representative to the North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council, allows participants to learn about tasers, bean bag guns and tactical vests, cruisers and SWAT vans as well as how rapid response, dive and SWAT teams operate.
“This class will be emphasized this year in view of what is happening these days,” said Richards.
Essex County District Attorney Jon Blodgett is back to teach a session on the court system.
“Initially we approached his office just looking for a DA, but Jon, a Peabody guy, insisted on teaching the class himself,” Richards said. “He talks about some of the programs his office has for offenders, and it’s just an honor to have him.”
New this year is the CRASE (Civilian Response to Active Shooters Events) session.
“It will cover things like mass casualty type things and active mass shooters situations,” said Richards. “We think it’s useful because a lot of folks work in crowded business situations and can benefit from having this knowledge.”
Added bonuses include a complete tour of the police station, as well as the department’s shooting range where participants have a chance to try their hands at shooting.
Richards said a primary purpose of the program is to enlighten the public about the role that police officers play in their communities.
“People need to understand what police officers go through to deter a potentially dangerous situation,” he said. “We want people to know that it’s an extremely difficult job. We are humans, not robots, and we want people to understand the truth of how we operate.”
The program, now in its fourth year, is free and runs Wednesday nights from 6-9 p.m., from Sept. 16-Nov. 18. This year, due to social distancing requirements, all sessions will be held at the Northshore Mall in the former Banana Republic storefront, thanks to General Manager Mark Whiting.
“Mark has been fantastic offering us this space,” Richards said. “He offered us a few choices, and this one really fits our needs perfectly.”
More information and a digital and printable application can be found on the community page on the department’s website, www.peabodypd.org. For questions, contact Sgt. Christos Zamikas (978-538-6329) or Richards (978-538-6359). Criminal records checks and background investigations are required.
