Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844
For Immediate Release
Friday, June 29, 2018
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Methuen Police Department Holds Senior Citizen Academy
METHUEN — Mayor James Jajuga and Chief Joseph Solomon are pleased to announce that 11 residents recently graduated from the Methuen Police Department’s Senior Citizen Academy.
Through a partnership with the Methuen Senior Center, Methuen Police hosted a group of seniors, who took an in-depth look at the department from several officers, and also learned about the broad set of responsibilities their jobs entail.
Over the course of four weeks, senior cadets explored the police station, learned about the department’s bureaus and units — including the K9 unit, animal control, drugs and intelligence. They also received resources that will help them avoid falling victim to crimes and scams that commonly target seniors, including IRS scams and other fraud.
The Tuesday morning sessions provided the seniors with insight into factors that cause crime, the department’s community policing efforts, the tools officers use, as well as an exploration of the history of policing in general and the Methuen Police Department specifically.
“Seniors are regularly targeted by scammers and criminals, so I’m grateful for the efforts of the police department to provide them with the information they need to protect themselves,” Mayor Jajuga said. “I’m glad that so many residents took part in this program and I want to thank all of the officers who took time to share their work.”
The academy concluded Tuesday, June 26 with ride alongs for the participants and a graduation ceremony.
“It was great to welcome some of our seniors and give them and our officers a chance to get to know each other on a more personal level,” Chief Solomon said. “This academy is a unique opportunity for residents to get a firsthand look at the different types of work our officers do, that they otherwise may never have a chance to see.”
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