To the Editor:

The Princeton Police Department just concluded its 2024 program for its Citizen’s Police Academy, and I felt privileged to have experienced such a compelling initiative. This program is the brainchild of Police Chief Jonathan Bucchere. I became informed of Princeton’s Citizen’s Police Academy via an article that ran in the Town Topics earlier this year [“Citizen’s Police Academy Registering Participants for its Second Season,” March 6, page 1] and I immediately contacted the department and was luckily able to register for the 2024 session, which started in April and ran for eight weeks.

Chief Bucchere’s desire to form deep connections with the community became quite evident in this program. His enthusiasm for community policing in general, and this program in particular, trickle down to all of the officers who invest in the program to make it highly informative to the citizen participants. Lieutenant Matt Solovay, Sergeant Dan Federico, Patrolman – K9 Steve Lattin, and many other officers in the department contributed to the robust nature of the program.

Frankly, I learned a lot — and came away with an enhanced appreciation for what these fine men and women do on a day-in, day-out basis to make the area safe for its residents while demonstrating a high degree of integrity and transparency. I am very appreciative to Jon, Matt, Dan, Steve, and the entire force who believe that community connections are the lifeblood of the department.

Thank you Princeton Police Department!

Paul J. Commito
Spruce Street