Citizens Police Academy

Program Director

Deputy Chief Christine Amendola

Program Coordinator

Community Service Officer DaLonn Pearson

Schedule

Winter 2026: Classes start Wednesday, January 28th, and run through March 25th *weather date makeup if needed*. 

The class is from 630 pm to 830 pm and will be held at the Police Department.

To register for this academy, please complete the application below. Be sure to include your full name, date of birth, address, cell phone number, and anything you hope to get out of the class. Reading residents will receive first priority. The class size will be limited to 28 people. Phone inquiries regarding this program may be placed at 781-942-6761.

Each evening presents different topics and classes. You must be present for 6 out of 9 classes in order to participate in the ride-along program.

Program Overview

With public support and understanding so essential to law enforcement, the Citizen Police Academy has proven to be an excellent program to bring the community and law enforcement together for common goals. The overall goal of the Citizen Police Academy is "Understanding through Education." This is accomplished by the exchange of information from the citizen participants and law enforcement instructors of the class. There are classes given in domestic violence, dispatch procedures, community policing, accident investigation, patrol procedures, impaired operator arrests, firearms, fingerprinting, internet safety, and other law enforcement-related topics. An officer ride-along program will be scheduled for students upon completion of the academy.