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Graduates praise East Hampton Citizens Police Academy as officers seek participants and recruits
Summary
Lieutenant Chelsea Tierney and Lieutenant Ken Alvera briefed the Town Board on the Citizens Police Academy and two graduates described how the 10-week program improved trust, transparency and even recruitment interest. The department said applications for next spring will appear on the town website.
Lieutenant Chelsea Tierney told the Town Board on May 20 that the East Hampton Town Police Departmentthrough its Citizens Police Academyoffers residents hands-on exposure to patrol procedures, investigations, use-of-force policies and community policing strategies.
"The Citizens Police Academy is more than a series of classes. It's a bridge between law enforcement and the community we serve," Lieutenant Tierney said, describing the program as a chance for residents to see "the complexities, challenges and responsibilities that come with wearing the badge." She said the academy includes emergency vehicle operations, firearms-simulator training and modules on arrest and search procedures.
Two graduates, Paula Ozano and Barbara Moss, told the board the program changed their perspectives. "After taking these classes ... I feel safe and admire the great work [officers] do for our community," Ozano said. Barbara Moss called the curriculum "an immersive, incredible experience" and said it turned skepticism into a more informed relationship with police.
Town officials said the program also generated unexpected recruitment interest. Lieutenant Ken Alvera, who described this as his first week as a lieutenant and a co-lead for the academy, said several participants expressed interest in joining local law enforcement after taking the course.
Planning for next year is already under way: staff said the academy typically starts in March, runs about 10 weeks, and that applications will be posted on the town website. Board members applauded the program as a tool to strengthen public trust and recommended continued promotion of the spring session.
The board did not take any formal action; legislators encouraged the department to post application details and to continue community outreach.
Next steps: applications will be posted for the spring cohort; officers said they are available to answer follow-up questions about the curriculum and eligibility.
