The Bristol Township Civilian Police Academy graduated their first class in more than five years on Tuesday evening.
The revived community relations program had 22 residents take part in its 12 weekly two-hour sessions.
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Lt. Terry Hughes said participants took part in simulated traffic stops, simulated use of force situations and, heard from a prosecutor from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, retired District Judge Joanne Kline, tactical officers, drug and gang investigators, and the fire marshal. They also learned how investigators process a crime scene.
“It was an eye-opening experience for students,’ Hughes said. “They got to see things through the eyes of a trained police officer.”
Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen and police Chief Robert Coulton were in attendance for the graduation.
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The police department plans to offer the course again next year after receiving a positive reaction from participants.
Next year, Hughes said, police are considering also offering a Civilian Police Academy specifically for teens.
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