SACO — The Saco Police Department is once again inviting the public for an insider’s look on police work. 

The Police Department is holding its annual Citizen Police Academy beginning Feb. 21 at the Police Station, 20 Storer St. The class will be held Wednesday evenings from 6-9 p.m. and run for nine weeks. 

Applications for the free class are due Feb. 2 and are available at the Police Station and from the Police Department website. All are welcome to apply, but preference is given to Saco residents. 

The academy will cover a wide range of topics taught by police department staff. 

“We have some returning favorites on the syllabus including time on the firing range, mechanics of arrest and a mock crime scene and trial,” said Court Officer TammyJo Girard, who is coordinating the class.

She said there will be a few new class topics this year, including drug intervention and addiction, city government and an overview of police department equipment. 

Girard said last year’s class had 25 participants, with students from Saco, neighboring communities and Portland. She said the class received very positive reviews last year and changes were made to the syllabus based on student feedback.

Students who have an at least 75 percent attendance rate will be offered the opportunity  to go on a four hour ride-along with a police officer. 

Anyone with questions can contact Girard at 282-8214 or via email to tgirard@sacomaine.org.  

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.