The Rumford Police Department recently embarked on a concept of educating the citizens of our community
on the daily activities of their police officers by conducting a Citizen Police Academy.
The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to foster a better relationship between the community
and the police department through training. It is envisioned that graduates will gain an understanding
of the operation of the Rumford Police Department; develop an awareness and understanding of the
various challenges as well as decisions faced daily by Rumford Police Officers.

Even though the selected citizens are given training in numerous police-related subjects,
the graduates are not prepared for nor expected to conduct any police services.
At no time will they be authorized to act in a law enforcement capacity. Rather,
it is our hope that the graduates will have a better understanding of what their police department does.


The 1st Rumford Police Department Citizen Police Academy will begin February 21st, 2007
and be held once a week on Wednesday’s, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for ten weeks.
The Academy program consists of approximately 30 hours of classroom and hands on activities.
Students will be actively involved in interesting activities such as using police equipment,
touring the police facility and role-playing scenarios.
Not included in the planned curriculum each student will be afforded the opportunity to
participate in 2 ride alongs with a member of the department on normal patrol.
At the conclusion of the program students will have an understanding of the day-to-day functions,
the budget processes and basic knowledge of constitutional laws.
There will be a Citizen Police Academy graduation ceremony to conclude this program.

Officers of the Rumford Police Department, who possess a wide variety of training skills and
experience, will provide most of the instruction. Other instructors will include representatives
from allied agencies like: Probation and Parole, the District Attorney's Office, Crisis Intervention
Services, the Victims Advocacy Program, along with others.

Because of the sensitive nature of police work, a background investigation is completed on each of the
applicants. This investigation includes a criminal history check, driver’s license status, and a warrant check.

To be eligible for admission to the academy applicants must be a minimum age of 18 years old,
live or work in Rumford, complete and submit an application, complete a Rumford Police Department
disclaimer form and pass a background investigation.

This program is offered as a public service and is free of charge.
Class size will be limited to 20 people.
We ask that only those truly interested in making a commitment to the class apply.
An 80% attendance rate is required to successfully pass the Citizens Police Academy.

If you are interested please contact Ptl. Tracey Higley
to inquire about the next application process, as the current process is CLOSED.

Copyright © 2006-2007
Rumford, Maine Police Department
All rights reserved.
Revised: 02/14/2007