Senior Police Academy set

Published 10:19 pm Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Master Police Officer Chris Butler instructs during last year’s Senior Citizens Academy run by the Suffolk Police Department. This year’s session will begin May 4, and registration is under way now.

Master Police Officer Chris Butler instructs during last year’s Senior Citizens Academy run by the Suffolk Police Department. This year’s session will begin May 4, and registration is under way now.

Suffolk police have announced they will bring back their popular Senior Citizens Academy this year, with an eight-week session designed to help seniors learn a little more about law enforcement and its application in Suffolk.

According to a press release announcing the program, topics will include firearms and active shooter response, crime prevention, crime scene investigation, hostage negotiation, the history of law enforcement in America and Suffolk, an overview of police department assets and capabilities and more.

The session will begin May 4, running from 9 a.m. to noon each Wednesday through June 22.

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Last year, 39 senior citizens completed the Senior Citizens Academy, and they were highly complimentary of the program, according to city officials.

Attendees were asked to leave comments about the program in a post-academy survey, according to Suffolk spokeswoman Diana Klink. One wrote, “I have a much better understanding of how the Police Department operates, and I appreciate the work they do.” Another wrote, “Enjoyed seeing that the Officers are great people working hard to protect the City of Suffolk.”

The Academy will be held at Suffolk Police Headquarters, which is located at 111 Henley Place.

Registration is under way. The application process includes a background check for all applicants. Applications can be completed and submitted in person at the police department or mailed to: Suffolk Police Department, Attention: MPO Chris Butler, 111 Henley Place, Suffolk, VA 23434.

For more information, call 514-7986.