CAMBRIDGE — The Cambridge Police Department will soon hold its annual Citizens’ Police Academy. This year, the course will begin Nov. 13.
“I think our class is pretty full,” Capt. Justin Todd said Friday. “We’re looking forward to it.”

The class will be held on Wednesday nights until Dec. 18. Its goal is to reach out to the public and help citizens understand police work.

Capt. Todd said he and Chief Mark Lewis would speak during the course, in addition to other experts. “Usually, we have judges come in,” he said.

Descriptions and explanations of police work will take place, as will discussions on courtroom procedures and more.

There will also be simulations of incidents police officers often face. One could be a traffic stop in which a person suddenly exits the vehicle and has a gun in his hand.

Portraying a common situation that goes from calm to potentially life threatening is one of the ways the CPD hopes to educate the public on their work, “trying to bridge that gap with the community,” Capt. Todd said.

Last year’s course was well attended, and so far, about 30 persons have signed up for this year’s program. There are still places open, however, and Capt. Todd encouraged citizens to attend.

The class is free and open to the public. For information on how to register, call 410-228-3333.