In April 1999, the Department inaugurated its first Citizens'
Police Academy. The
concept of the Citizen’s Police Academy has enjoyed tremendous
popularity throughout the nation and is mainly designed as a technique of
rapport enhancement with members of the community.
Over a period of eight weeks, twelve Salem citizens attend
informational classes presented by police officers with subject matter
ranging from vehicle stops to criminal investigation.
Through active classroom participation and ride-alongs with
officers in the field, the citizens are provided with the opportunity to
develop a true understanding and appreciation for the role of the police
officer. The student
attendees are honored with a graduation ceremony at the Salem Civic
Center. Continued sessions of
the Citizens' Police Academy are planned.
Here, an E.R.T. member gives instruction and supervises as Academy student fires the shotgun.