There are still a few weeks left to register for the Livingston Police Department’s Citizens’ Police Academy, a free 11-week program designed to provide participants a sense of the department and what it is like working in law enforcement.Spots are limited, and we highly encourage anyone who is interested to apply before it is too late. This program is an excellent opportunity to see firsthand what goes into the job. For those of us who have never worked in the field, or had family or friends with jobs in law enforcement, this is an opportunity to get a small slice of what such a career entails. Doing so can offer participants a better understanding of how our local officers enforce the law and work to keep us safe on a daily basis.Aside from educating the public, this is an opportunity to have your voice heard by the department. As Officer Joy Klapal said, the program allows the department to become more aware of the concerns and questions of the community it serves, while strengthening rapport between officers and the public.It is also fun! Each evening ends with a hands-on component, which could include ride-alongs and other field training exercises. Officer Klapal says that, since the classes end with these activities, it is often a challenge to get academy members to leave at the end of each night because they are having such a good time.The application deadline is Friday, July 29, and spots tend to fill up quickly. Participants must be at least 21 years old and reside or work in Livingston. The classes, which are limited to 20 students, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, from September 8 through November 17. Applications may be picked up at the police department or found online at livingstonnj.org/211/ Forms. Anyone who has questions about the program can contact Officer Klapal at jklapal@livingstonnj.org, or at 973-992-3000 extension 3229.Not every township gets an opportunity like this, and we hope our residents appreciate that fact and take advantage of it.
