Crime & Safety

Getting The Inside Scoop On The Clinton Police Department

Sign-Up Soon For The Citizens' Police Academy Where You'll Get Eye-Opening, First Hand Knowledge Of The Department Both In And Out Of The Classroom

Update: if you are interested in attending this course, please sign up right away. There is a minimum class size requirement.

This is one academic course where there are no tests – just first-hand knowledge and experience of what it’s like to be a police officer in the town of Clinton.

The 2011 Citizens' Police Academy at the Clinton Police Department is starting soon. Applications are being accepted now for the spring course. The 10-week program will start Tuesday, March 15 and will meet every Tuesday thereafter from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. ending on Tuesday, May 17. It will be held at the police station’s community room.

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The course will provide information on things such as patrol procedures, domestic violence laws, criminal investigations, DUI laws, firearms, technology, and the department’s budget. One evening, a member of the state’s attorneys’ office as well as a defense attorney will speak about their roles in prosecuting and defending criminals. A city police officer will also speak to the group about the differences as well as similarities between inner-city policing and those in the suburbs.

In addition, each participant will have the opportunity to go to the police shooting range and out on patrol with an officer.

Find out what's happening in Clintonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“Feedback from past participants has been positive – they have really enjoyed the course,” said Sgt. Jeremiah Dunn.

The course is not a ho-hum presentation by any means. Two years ago, resident Flora White said no television show compared to the real-life drama of the life of a police officer.  

“I understood for the first time that the often mundane work of a police officer can change in seconds to that of a life and death situation,” said White, who had worked for many years in the domestic violence field.

Dunn said that many of the participants experienced a real “eye-opener” as to the duties of a police officer.

“Many think all we do is write speeding tickets when in actuality we go to medical emergencies, mediate family disputes, respond to home invasions, and much more,” said Dunn.

The next Citizens’ Police Academy, presented by the Clinton Police Department, will be held Tuesday, March 15 at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room, 170 East Main Street, at the Clinton Police Department. Applications are available at the communications window in the main lobby or call Sgt. Dunn at 860-669-0451. Completed applications are to be returned by March 12.  Enrollment is limited to the first 25 Clinton residents who are age 18 or older. Residents from other towns may apply, as well. Applicants will be be subject to a criminal background check.


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