(Understanding Through Education)

The Belchertown Police Department has developed a course for the local citizen to help bridge the gap between the average citizen and the police officers who serve them. In the past, there was a close relationship between local residents and the police. As times became confused, attitudes changed, and bad press about the police caused a widening gap between them. As the world changed, crime increased, the "mind my own business" attitude became commonplace. In our current society, with increased duties, services and reduced budgets, the police officers in many towns, cities and states became concerned about the reluctance of the the citizens to become involved in the policing of their communities, and the apparent mistrust of the citizenry. Since the Belchertown Police Department wanted to be closer to the community, they developed a way to inform citizens of what being a police officer really is all about. To this end, the Citizen Police Academy came into being. This academy allows the average resident to become familiar with the current police procedures, their limits, duties and responsibilities to maintain a safe place for you, the citizen, to enjoy.

 To this end, the Citizen Police Academy is offered, and covers a wide and informative window into the operations a police department uses. The academy consists of regular classroom sessions, tours of the police department, the Hampshire County Correctional Facility, the opportunity for "ride along" with the officers on actual patrol, and firearm familiarization on a local range. Several guest speakers from other areas, such as the courts, juvenile services, D.A.R.E programs, etc., also inform the class on their areas of expertise. Graduation night also includes guest speakers.

For more information and start dates of the Citizen's Police Academy, contact the Belchertown Police Department or email Sgt. Willie Panto