If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work in law enforcement, then the McMinnville Police Department has just the program for you.
It’s called the Citizen Police Academy and it begins on April 5 and ends with graduation ceremonies on May 31.
According to Maj. Mike Lane the department is looking forward to another successful year for the popular program.
“The Citizen Police Academy has become a main part of the McMinnville Police Department’s community policing effort,” said Lane. “The academy has bolstered the relationship between citizens of our community and the police. The upcoming academy has been revamped and the officers of the McMinnville Police look forward to participating in the new class. Anyone interested in applying can pick up an application at the McMinnville Police Department or call 473-3808 and request one be mailed out to them. Applications must be turned back into the police department no later than March 28, 2012.”
According to the information provided by the Police Department the mission of the Citizen Police Academy is “to foster better communication between citizens and police through education. The academy will create a nucleus of well-informed citizens who possess greater insight into police practices and services. Graduates of the academy can share their knowledge and experiences with the community as the opportunity arises. Everyone benefits from enhancing citizen understanding of the role and function of their police department.”
The classes consist of one 2.5 hour class held each Thursday evening, except for the shooting range day on May 26, which will be held on Saturday, for eight weeks with a graduation ceremony on May 31. The instruction is quite comprehensive, with a different area of the police department covered each week.
Certified police officers, supervisors and civilian instructors with expertise in each subject will conduct the classes.
This year’s curriculum includes:
• April 5 — Welcome, instruction and information on the history of the Police Department and a tour of the 911 center
• April 12 — Defensive tactics and DUI enforcement
• April 19 — Radar operations and fire safety
• April 26 — Criminal investigation
• May 3 — Narcotics investigation
• May 10 — Tour of Warren County Jail
• May 17 — Mock trial
• May 26 — Range day (Saturday 10 a.m.)
• May 31 — Graduation
Any interested citizen who resides or works in Warren County is encouraged to attend the Citizen Police Academy. Citizens must be 18 years of age or older and have no prior felony convictions.