24 LI Residents Graduate From Suffolk PD's Civilian Academy: Police

BRENTWOOD, NY — A group of Long Island residents celebrated their graduation from the 43rd Suffolk County Police Department Civilian Academy, a program that invites Suffolk County residents to receive specialized training at the Police Academy in Brentwood.

Twenty-four Suffolk County residents participated in the program, which aims to build relationships with community members and give them a first-hand look at the inner workings of the police department, according to officials.

According to the Civilian Academy's website, the program is 48 hours long and participants attend 16 three-hour classes once a week to earn their certificates of completion. The academy runs two programs a year, each spring and fall.

Graduates attend classes on various topics including the use of force, special patrols like K-9 and crime scenes, domestic violence, homicide investigations and bias crimes.

Students can go on "ride-alongs" with officers for a tour of duty and attend a demonstration at the Police Firearms Range and training in the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course.

Any resident,21 and older may apply for the next session.