Crime Scene

Putnam County residents who want to learn more about police work — from procedure to investigations to forensics and corrections — are encouraged to sign up for the Putnam County Citizens’ Police Academy. And we promise it’s nothing like “Armed and Famous,� the ill-fated reality TV show that CBS just canceled that featured washed-up celebrities training to be police officers. Weekly classes for the bi-annual Citizens’ Academy begin March 8 and will be held on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. through May 10. Classes meet at the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services building off Route 6 in Carmel. This will be the third time the Academy has convened. Each class can handle about 30 members, and since classes always fill up fast, Sheriff Donald Smith is advising interested residents to get their applications now. Applications are available by calling Lara Liotti in the Sheriff’s Office at 845-225-4300 ext. 213. The deadline to apply is Feb. 26. Smith said he likes the Academy because it gives people a better understanding, and, therefore, a better appreciation of police work. “The goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to educate and raise civic awareness about the functions of law enforcement in general and the workings of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in particular,� Smith said recently. “Informing citizens about public safety and law-enforcement issues builds closer bonds between citizens and police and those bonds strengthen the community.�