Warwick Police Officer Danny Maggiacomo didn’t sugar coat his job for the newest 24 graduates of the Citizens Police Academy.

At a graduation ceremony last Wednesday at the police community room, Maggiacomo who directs the 12-week long program, said police work is a “dangerous and unpredictable profession.” He said law enforcement officers unfortunately get labeled and incorrectly characterized when in fact, “we’re normal people under this uniform.”

To underscore the risks associated with law enforcement, Maggiacomo said that since the start of the academy in September 81 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty across the country and another 451 died of COVID-19.

“Whenever we have a difficult task, we put the best people forward,” he said.

Maggiacomo also talked of the intent of the Citizens Academy to “build bridges and close the gaps between the police and the community.”

During the program held weekly from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, members of the academy got an in-depth introduction of all aspects of police operations from a station tour and evidence processing to mental health, underwater search and women in law enforcement. In addition to the sessions held at the station there are three weekend classes that include introduction to the pistol held at the range where students conduct target practice, emergency vehicle operations and CPR.

A highlight of the program for many students was to drive a police cruiser through a course of cones as fast as they could on a stretch of open pavement in Quonset.

Academy graduates have the opportunity to remain engaged with the department through the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association that meets the last Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Islander Restaurant. As association president Jeremy Jordan and treasurer Juli Anne Thornton explained Wednesday night the association assists the department at community events such as the Gaspee Days parade, the department’s Safe Ride Home Program where they provide rides to people who feel their driving may have been impaired celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and at the annual National Night Out event held in Oakland Beach.

The free course is open to all Warwick residents, employees of Warwick businesses and city employees. Non residents are accepted into the program on a space available basis. The next class should start next fall and application may be made through the department website. Maggiacomo suggests those interested to follow the Warwick Citizens Police Academy on Facebook.