Newark Police Holding Academies for Senior Citizens

Newark Police Chief Sheilah Coley is seen here at the Branch Brook Manor Senior Citizen Complex Wednesday, Jan. 9, when she helped kick off the Senior Citizen Public Safety Academy, a six-week course during which seniors will learn about Newark law enforcement and ways to keep themselves safe.

At the end of the course, graduates will be “deputized,” and will be asked to assist as hosts at NPD functions, Coley also said.

“After the training it’s not like we’re done with you,” Coley told the group assembled for the first class. “It’s like you’ll be part of the agency. We will call on you.”

The senior citizen academies used to be held at the communications facility at 311 Washington St., but police officials have since decided to come to the senior housing sites instead. An academy has already been held for the residents of St. Mary’s Villa and other academies are planned at senior housing facilities in each of the city’s wards.

Det. Michael Beasley, who is helping run the academy, said the participants in the academy will tour facilities such as the command center on Clinton Avenue, will receive training in creating a “file of life” -- a list of medications taken by seniors accessible to first-responders in the event of a medical emergency -- and will also have a go at the firing range on Delancey Street.