The Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) was created in 1993 to offer civilians with civic interests an exposure to the "police experience." Movies and television shows over the years have created an impossible image for professional police officers to live up to, resulting in citizens with unrealistic expectations. The CPA hopes to combat that type of perception. The 14-week evening program enables participants to better understand police training, procedures, and philosophy.
The CPA is held at the Department's Fred Taylor Headquarters Building one night per-week from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The students are taught classes on topics such as law; firearms and use of force; stress management; domestic violence; and patrol procedures, to name a few. Each student is required to participate in an eight-hour riding assignment during the course. Upon completion, the student experiences a Basic Law Enforcement style graduation, and receives a diploma/plaque.
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