Have you ever wondered what exactly the police do, why, and what it’s like to have to make a split-second decision? If so, apply to participate in this fall’s Lewiston Citizens Police Academy! This free, ten-week program will meet every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lewiston Police Department or Central Maine Community College. The program runs from September 6 through November 15.

This is a great opportunity for community members to familiarize themselves with their police department, gain new perspectives about law enforcement, and share ideas with the LPD. Participants will tour the police department, explore the vehicles, and learn about various topics, including the history of policing in general and in Lewiston, covert drug investigations, criminal investigations, evidence collection, case preparation, recruitment, and community outreach.

Participants will experience “ride a-longs” and, at the Criminal Justice Lab at Central Maine Community College, will learn about the use of deadly and non-deadly force by trying out some of the most up-to-date technologies for training police officers, including Fast Action Training Simulators and Stress Vests (think laser tag). The class will meet with representatives from the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office to discuss the judicial system and with Lewiston Interim Police Chief Brian O’Malley for a question-and-answer session.

Class size will be limited to 22 people, background checks will be done on applicants, and precedence will be given to Lewiston residents. The application is available at www.lewistonmaine.gov/academy16.

For more information, call 513-3010 or (preferred) contact Officer Joe Philippon at jphilippon@lewistonmaine.gov.