Those who live or work in Bridgeport and  are interested in learning more about the city are encouraged to attend the 2015 Bridgeport Citizens Police Academy, which kicks off tonight at Bridgeport City Hall.

 

Sessions will run 7-9 p.m. Thursdays through May 7. Anyone 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license can complete the entire program or select sessions which are of particular interest.

 

Among topics to be covered are polygraph examination, court proceedings, criminal investigations, special response team and K9 programs, domestic violence, accident investigations and city code enforcement, CPR and first aid, fingerprinting, patrol and police radio operations and police cruiser operations.

 

The K9 program includes interaction with the department’s police dog Gretchen and is always a popular session, said Emergency Services Coordinator Laura Pysz.

 

Anyone completing the entire course and passing a background check can become certified as an official Volunteers in Police Services member. 

 

Overseeing the Bridgeport VIPS program are Bridgeport Police Officers Bart Sayers and Jamie Hamrick. They are among law enforcement officers who will  be involved with instruction.

 

The academy builds strong relationships between the police department and the community and serves as a successful tool for training and recruiting volunteers. Those who wish to serve as a volunteer in a law enforcement capacity go on to be VIPS, therefore giving the department extra eyes and ears, making the community a safer place.  

 

Editor's Note: Pictured are members of Bridgeport VIPS; some recently sworn into their positions during a meeting of Bridgeport City Council.