Thanking Princeton Police Department for Offering Citizen’s Academy Program
To the Editor:
I am writing this letter to say thank you to Princeton Police Chief Jonathan Bucchere, Lieutenant Matthew Solovay, and Sergeant Dan Federico for establishing the Princeton Citizen’s Police Academy.
Recently, I was one of 20 Princeton citizens who had a chance to learn more about the department through an eight-week program that was conducted by a number of officers of the Princeton Police Department (PPD). Each Thursday we covered a different topic in a three-hour class supported by a different officer within the department, and it was organized to be very interactive and engaging with real equipment, simulators, and discussions with our officers.
I feel much more knowledgeable about how the PPD approaches traffic stops, DWI policy, speed monitoring, crisis training, and much more. In particular, I was impressed with the level to which policy is closely aligned with the state attorney general’s directives, and how training is a high priority to ensure the safety of the community and of our police force.
Regardless of the personal viewpoints about law enforcement held by each class member going into the program, I believe everyone came out of the program with a greater appreciation for the department. It is clear to me that we have a department of committed officers who do things the right way. I hope this program can continue in the future, and I would highly recommend any member of our town to take advantage when it is offered again.