A renewed Johnston Police program that began last Wednesday evening is designed to give residents an up-close look at life behind the badge.
Fifteen Johnstonians signed up for the Citizens Police Academy, which was recently reinstituted by Chief Richard S. Tamburini with the full support of Mayor Joseph Polisena’s office.
“The Johnston Police have a special place in my heart,” Polisena told the academy’s class of 2019 last Wednesday night inside the department’s roll call room. “The police are the silent heroes, and I want everyone to know I am proud to be mayor and have such a hard-working police department.”
Polisena, who was backed by Tamburini during the formal part of last Wednesday night’s opening, went on: “I welcome you and urge you to enjoy every minute of this police academy. You’re going to learn a lot during the next nine weeks.”
Tamburini, who issued an opening address, told the class of 2019: “The goal of the men and women of our police department is to keep Johnston safe, and during this academy you will learn what life is all about behind the badge.”
He added: “The Citizens Police Academy is all about seeing what we do and how we do it. It’s a program designed to acquaint Johnson residents with the day-to-day operations of the police department … This nine-week course is not only educational, it is fun and exciting. In addition to sessions in the classroom, we will tour our most interesting facilities and enjoy hands-on experiences with the law enforcement tools used by our officers.”
After Polisena and Tamburini welcomed the class of 2019, Deputy Chief Joseph P. Razza, who also served as the town’s emergency management officer, gave the class some introductory information about the department and its structure.
Until the June 12 graduation ceremony, Johnston Police Capt. Christopher M. Correia, who heads the Traffic and Special Services Bureau, will conduct the week-to-week classes that will featured a wealth of information for the participants.
The academy’s opening night also included a tour of the inside and outside of police headquarters at 1651 Atwood Ave.
The nine-week course schedule continued last night with Capt. Matthew Benson, Ed.D., who heads the JPD’s operations division, speaking about his group as well as accreditations, policies, social media, use of force and pursuit. The class also included a special segment by patrol personnel Brooke Ardito and Jeff Chiccitelli about the school resource officer program and duties.
Anyone who would like further information about the Citizens Police Academy can call Correia at 231-4210.
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