Residents and business people will have an opportunity to learn about the functioning of a municipal law enforcement agency as Newtown Police Department again offers its Citizen Police Academy free informational program to the general public.

The department will offer the course for the 22nd time. The academy will hold ten weekly sessions, from 3 to 6 pm, on Sundays, beginning March 26. Registration is required.

Patrol Sergeant Matthew Wood will lead the course, which provides general information to civilians interested in learning about police work. Sgt Wood, who is one of seven sergeants at the department, joined the organization in 2004. He is a state-certified drug recognition expert.

Subject matter will include a tour of the police station, the police hiring process, police field training, patrol operations, crime prevention, crime scene investigation, a dog demonstration, traffic enforcement, and firearms and weaponry.

The course will provide information on law enforcement in the context of the criminal justice system. Sessions will be held on law enforcement for motor vehicle violations, with a focus on driving under the influence. Law which pertains to juveniles and the schools will be discussed.

Besides classroom instruction, the course will offer some hands-on instructional sessions. As part of the course, participants will be able to ride along with a patrol officer for four hours. Participants would not be put in any dangerous situations.

Most of the course instructors will be town officers, with instructors from other agencies possibly leading some of the sessions.

The course is open to the residents of Newtown and surrounding towns who are at least age 18. Newtown residents will have first priority to attend. People interested in participating are required to complete an application. Applications are available at the police station at 3 Main Street or at the department's website at newtown-ct.gov/police-department, and at the police department's Facebook page.

Applications to attend the course will be accepted until March 12. Applicants will be subject to a "criminal history record verification" prior to their approval to take the course.matthew.wood@newtown-ct.govSgt Wood may be contacted by telephone at 203-426-5841 or at

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