Police Citizens' Academy offering seniors' session

June will be Seniors Month, and to celebrate York Regional Police will be hosting the first Citizens' Academy program aimed at seniors.

Police report the Citizens' Academy program is designed specifically to foster strong community partnerships by providing residents with some insight and working knowledge of the service. This program was formerly known as the Police and Community Education Seminars (PACES) program.

The program boasts skilled and dynamic instructors who make the learning experience interesting and enjoyable. A variety of community partners, police officers and civilian members of York police, with expertise in specialized areas, will present a varied and interesting program. At its conclusion, participants will have a comprehensive outlook on a wide variety of topics related to their safety and security. The program is open to all York Region residents who have an interest in police-related issues.

The Citizens' Academy for seniors will focus on seniors' issues, including personal safety, identity theft and fraud.

The program will be offered in two workshops. One will be at Aurora Seniors' Centre, at 5 Municipal Dr. in Aurora, with sessions being offered June 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. The other will be at Angus Glen Community Centre and Library, at 3990 Major Mackenzie Dr. East in Markham. These sessions will be offered June 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Once they have successfully completed the program, participants take part in a graduation ceremony.

Information and applications for the Citizens' Academy for seniors are available by contacting Carrie Delaney at 1-866- 876-5423, ext. 6712, or by e-mail at 5622@yrp.ca. All applicants are subject to a background check and although there is no cost for the program, class sizes are limited.

The Citizens' Academy program schedule is on the police Web site at www.yrp.ca by clicking on the P.A.C.E.S/YRP Citizens Academy icon on the home page.