Each year, the Plainsboro Police Department C.O.R.E. Unit conducts one of its most popular community programs, the “Citizen Police Academy (CPA).” This FREE program has attracted and graduated approximately 60 community residential citizens in the past two years. Individuals with all types of interests and from various professions such as computer programmers, consultants, lawyers, accountants, artists, retired citizens, stay-home-moms or dads, health practitioners, teachers, business owners, and individuals considering a possible career in law-enforcement, have attended this course.
One of the important functions of this program is in helping to bring community and police department into a closer relationship. Citizens have an opportunity to learn about complex issues faced by modern society that necessitates greater cooperation and involvement between community and their police department. Participants learn how law-enforcement functions while gaining a new perspective on the value of this relationship. Citizens gain new knowledge and expand their awareness in ways that will serve them a lifetime.
Many graduates enjoy maintaining an ongoing relationship with the Plainsboro Police Department and its officers. They provide volunteer assistance during special annual community events such as Founder’s Day, National Night Out, Law Enforcement Expo, and other special community functions. Alumni also play a role in suggesting new topics and ideas of interested for continued citizen education or community safety, serving as goodwill ambassadors. Additional benefits enjoyed by CPA graduates, is an opportunity to participate in a very important and invaluable community volunteer program called C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team). This program is designed to teach citizens how to develop survival skills for effectively dealing with various types of emergencies or disaster situations.
Law-Enforcement professionals in Plainsboro conduct the Citizen Police Academy and provide a wide range of topics such as Investigations and Forensics, Traffic Safety and Enforcement, Domestic Violence, Crime Prevention, Firearms, DWI Enforcement, Terrorism, Police and Community Relations, Homeland Security. At course completion, participants proudly enjoy a graduation ceremony with their alumni and C.O.R.E. Unit officers, and family or friends who wish to attend.
Citizen Police Academy starts September 6th thru November 22nd, 2005, Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Applications are available online: www.plainsboropolice.com. Simply print one out and fill in, and submit by August 31 or earlier. Mail to: Plainsboro Township Police Department / C.O.R.E. Unit, 641 Plainsboro Rd., Plainsboro, NJ 08536; or drop your application off in person. You may also pick up an application at the police department or call the C.O.R.E. Unit, 799-2333, or email jduffy@plainsboronj.com. Training takes place at the Plainsboro Township Municipal Building. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
— Mel Szochet
