ORANGE — The Police Department recently held a Citizens Police Academy that ran for eight weeks, with a 2.5-hour session each week.

Attendees, shown, with some department officials, learned about administration, records, the Patrol Division, accident investigation, DUI enforcement, medical emergencies, firearms, the Investigative Services Unit, crime prevention, youth officer and the DARE Program, community policing, special deployments and the court system, officials said.

Attendees also participated in a ride-along with a patrol officer. Officer John Aquino managed the program from week to week, with several officers participating as instructors.

Police Chief Robert Gagne said the department has been running the Citizens Academy for many years and receives very positive feedback after each session.

"It is a great way for our community members to experience firsthand what services we offer and how we police the community," he said. "It also gives us valuable interaction with and feedback from our community members."