Enrollment open for citizen’s police academy

WESTTOWN » For those who want to get a glimpse beyond the badge, applications are now being accepted for the WesttownEast Goshen Regional Police Department’s 17th Citizen’s Police Academy.

The 12-week course is limited to 16 participants and starts Sept. 6.

“They will see the services that our police department provides to the community,” WEGO Police Department Dt./Lt. Bill Cahill said. “It dispels fears and rumors that some people have about police.

“It creates a great relationship and makes them a better citizen.”

Citizen participants will attend a mock hearing at a district court, visit the 911 call center, learn about criminal investigations and crime scene processing and hear about police patrol operations.

Participants may become CPR and First Aid certified, learn about traffic enforcement and accident reconstruction,

receive information on community policing, and at schools, and hear about drug enforcement and the opioid crisis.

“Citizens will develop a better awareness and appreciation of the challenges and decisions faced by Westtown-East Goshen police officers on a daily basis,” reads a WEGO Police issued release.

Three hour-long classes are scheduled for each of 12 consecutive weeks.

Applicants must be 18 years old, must submit an application and are subject to a background check, including

for both a criminal history and driving history. Each applicant must also be confidentially reviewed and approved by the chief of police.

To cover costs associated with the CPR/First Aid certification, a $27 non-refundable processing fee is due when the application is submitted.

For more information or to receive an application, call the police department at 610-692-9600 or go to www.westtownpolice.org. Or make contact via email at citizenpoliceacademy@ westttownpolice.org.