Although most people are gearing up for high school graduation right now, a different kind of graduation was held last night at the Derby Recreation Center (DRC).

A number of Derby citizens were honored by Derby Police Chief Jay Reyes, Master Police Officer (MPO) Matt Liston, and a number of other officers for graduating from Derby’s Citizen Police Academy.

The Citizen Police Academy is a free 12-week program designed to give members of the community a working knowledge of the functions of Derby police department.

This latest batch of graduates explored various areas of law enforcement through classroom discussion, demonstrations, tours, and hands-on experience.

Over the length of the three-month course, the graduates took classes on topics such as search and seizure law, crime prevention, internal affairs, juvenile justice, human relations, criminal investigations, and use of force issues.

Classes were held weekly Tuesdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Different officers were brought in for each class to share their various areas expertise.
Last night’s graduation was preceded by a reception catered by Derby caterer Sally Waugh’s “At Your Service”.

After the dinner, Liston spoke, thanking the participating officers and congratulating the graduates. He remarked that a few graduates in past years had even gone on to become police officers themselves.

Reyes also spoke.

“One of the things I think is important about the Citizen Police Academy is that you’ll share your experiences with other people,” he said. “I hope we have sent you out with a positive message, to educate members of the community about what we do. Our ability to open up to the community is really important. It really puts a human face on police work.”

Liston presented each graduate with a certificate and a handshake, encouraging them to stay involved.

“This was a really good group,” Liston said. “A very mixed bag; different people with different backgrounds.”

One of the graduates, Marilyn York, turned the tables on the officers when she praised their work.

“Thank you for all you do,” she said, “and for all you’ve done for us. Thank you for working extra hours to help us understand what you do for our community."

“The whole program was very well put together,” York later said. “It’s certainly well worth anybody’s time. I was impressed with how professional the Derby police are, especially compared to other small communities. They’re outstanding for their size and do things other small departments source out, like crime scene investigation.

“It was very hands on. I was totally impressed – they let us do it all: finger printing; the shooting range; car stops – we just had fun.”