PHOTOS: Citizens Police Academy Lowell Police returns for the first time in six years

LOWELL — Superintendent Greg Hudon is pleased to announce that the Lowell Police Department has completed its Citizens Police Academy for the first time in six years and that the department plans to open another academy in September.

From April 10, an eight-week academy took place every Wednesday evening, during which participants experienced and learned about a range of police activities. For the first time in six years, the Citizens’ Police Academy was organized.

On Wednesday, May 29, participants received their school leaving certificates.

Topics included how police investigate drunk driving, handle citizen complaints, collect evidence during criminal investigations and use body-worn cameras.

The units that presented themselves to the Academy included: Traffic Unit, School Resource Officers, Drone Unit, Professional Standards Unit, Neighborhood Response Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Special Investigations Unit, Family Services Unit, K-9 and Lowell Police SWAT Team Representatives Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC).

The academy, organized and led by Captain Marisol Nobrega and Lt. Ray Cormier, aimed to show residents how the Lowell Police Department operates in an effort to improve transparency and trust among community members.

“We hope this academy will allow us to be more transparent with community members and help them understand how we conduct ourselves at the Lowell Police Department,” said Superintendent Hudon. “We fully believe in transparency and I’m glad we were able to bring back the Citizens’ Police Academy this year.”

“In this way, we help the community and the police build relationships and trust. It is very important for us to continue this,” said Captain Nobrega.

Participants praised the academy and said they would highly recommend it to other Lowell residents who are interested in or interested in law enforcement.

“The academy was very interesting and each session we had covered interesting topics,” said Anna Martinez of Lowell. “All of our instructors have provided a lot of information and I think it’s very good for the people of Lowell. I would definitely recommend other residents to take this course.”

Olga Nieves Reynoso stated that she enjoyed learning many things about police organization that she did not know before, and believes that such academies should be organized regularly.

“The Lowell Police Department has a collaborative relationship with the community that is not seen in many cities,” Nieves Reynoso said.

The department plans to hold the next Citizens’ Police Academy in September, but an exact schedule has not yet been determined. Anyone interested should follow the department’s social media accounts for up-to-date information.