6/19/2009 - The Portland Police Department, in collaboration with other Cumberland County communities, is offering a ten week Citizen Orientated Policing School (COPS) starting Wednesday, September 16, 2009. The class sessions are held each Wednesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the various participating law enforcement agencies.

Some of the topics addressed are:

The Role of the Police Officer, The Hiring Process, Laws – Maine Criminal and Civil, Federal, Police Ethics, Juvenile Justice, Dealing with the Mentally Ill, Domestic Violence and Diverse Ethnic Groups, Patrol Procedures, Criminal Investigations, Use of Force, and the FATS Machine – shoot don’t shoot scenarios.

The C.O.P.S. program is intended to be an overview of the functions and operations of law enforcement personnel. Participants will not be trained as police officers.

The Portland Police Department is accepting applications for the Citizen Orientated Policing School starting now, through August 15th. Class size is limited; and will be filled on a first-come basis.

A background check will be performed on ALL applicants. Applicants with felony convictions or extensive criminal backgrounds will not be accepted.
To obtain an application please stop by the Portland Police Department, or download a copy from our website.