The Northampton Police Department's Citizen Police Academy (CPA) is a program designed to enhance citizen understanding of the role and function of the police department. The Citizen Police Academy is an excellent opportunity for community members to better understand the inner-workings of the police department and to meet the talented and professional men and women of the Northampton Police Department. 

Program Description
The Citizen Police Academy is a 12-week course that meets one night once a week for three (3) hours. The course includes lectures, class discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on opportunities for class participants.


2008 Citizen Police Academy Graduates

Class Instructors
The course is instructed by police administrators, patrol and detective supervisors, detectives and police officers from the Northampton Police Department and may include some guest speakers.

Course Topics
 
Recruitment & Training
Criminal Investigations
Death Investigations
Criminal Law
Rights of Arrest
Motor Vehicle Law/Radar/Lidar/Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs
Firearms Training
Domestic Violence
Sexual Assault Investigations
Use of Force
Communications/Dispatch
Narcotics Investigations
Computer Crimes
Forensics
Internal Investigations
Media Relations

Course Time - The 19 members of the 2008 Citizen Police Academy completed the program on March 25th, 2008.  The next class is scheduled to run in the spring of 2009.  The exact dates have not yet be determined.  

Course Location - The 2008 Citizen Police Academy was held at the Western Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services conference room located at 168 Industrial Drive (off of Damon Rd.) in Northampton.  The location of the 2009 class has not yet been determined.

Qualifications - Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must pass a background check and preference will be given to Northampton residents.  

Applications - May be obtained at the Northampton Police Department or downloaded.
                     Citizen Police Academy Application

Questions - Any questions regarding the Citizen Police Academy may be directed to Sgt. Jody Kasper, Patrol and CPA Supervisor. 

Additional Citizen Police Academy Links: