'I will do it again'

David P. Corsi best described the success of the 2019 Citizens Police Academy.

Corsi was one of 15 Johnstonians who successfully completed the nine-week course that took attendees inside the experience of a police officer.

“This far exceeded my expectations,” Corsi assessed while addressing his fellow graduates, as well as Mayor Joseph Polisena, Police Chief Richard S. Tamburini and Capt. Christopher M. Correia, who directed the academy. “This was a great experience.”

Other participants echoed Corsi’s sentiment.

“I always had respect for the police, now I have even more,” Teri Rozzero said.

“It was awesome,” Jessica Alviano said. “I definitely learned a lot.”

Marilyn T. Parrillo added: “To get a first-hand look into the operations of a police department was special. I truly enjoyed this. I will do it again.”

Those statements, as well as others from Correia, who serves as commander of the Johnston Police Department’s Traffic and Special Services Bureau, put smiles of satisfaction on the faces of Polisena and Tamburini at the outset of last Wednesday’s final class and graduation ceremony.

The academy offered an overview of major topics in law enforcement, including emergency management, operations and training, the school resource officer program, criminal law and prosecution. The course also included a trip to Rhode Island Superior Court and lessons in patrol operations, traffic enforcement, crime scene processing, special responses and firearms.

Johnston Police personnel presented each of the topics and all the subjects were well received by the group. Correia said questions from the class always sparked “good conversation.”

“All of the participants appreciated the instruction and learned a lot,” he said. “Some of the instruction/information was beyond what the class thought or realized. Everyone feels the academy was a huge success and for that we all thank Mayor Polisena for making the comprehensive nine-week program happen.”

“I’m very, very proud of each and every one of you,” Polisena said while standing at the podium. “It was great having so much participation from our Johnston residents. Again, congratulations. I hope you enjoyed this program and maybe we can do it again.”

Tamburini offered: “The goal of the academy was to enhance police and community relations by providing citizens an in-depth look at the Johnston Police Department. We offered our citizens new insights into how our officers perform their duties as well as how our department serves our community. We encourage Johnston residents to consider joining future police academies and experience walking in an officer’s shoes.”

Correia, who brought in Warwick Police K-9 Officer Aaron Steele for the final class, assessed: “Overall, the nine weeks were a great success with all participants enjoying the experience. It was a great group of people and I feel our department gained new community partners with these graduates of the program.”