This spring, the Jefferson City Police Department (JCPD) will again host a 10-week Citizens Police Academy.
The academy, which will run from March 5 through May 14, is designed to enhance the department's partnership with the community by informing local residents of the mission, resources, practices and services of the police department.
Topics addressed in the academy include: introduction to JCPD command staff, JCPD history (to include a tour of our facilities), patrol activities and demonstrations, officer selection and training, community action team, SWAT/tactical operations, drug enforcement, criminal investigation/crime scene processing, traffic enforcement/DWI/accident investigation, Internal Affairs, support services/communications /records management, and use of force/defensive tactics/firearms.
The academy has three goals:
• To allow residents the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the duties, procedures and responsibilities that officers of the department perform daily.
• To bridge the gap that has traditionally existed between the police and the community.
• Help residents understand why police do what they do.
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Selection of participants will be at the discretion of the department.
The academy meets at the police department from 6-9 p.m. on Thursdays.
In addition to the scheduled classes, a "ride along" with patrol officers will be made available to students.
Anyone interested in attending the academy must complete an application.
All applicants will be subject to a comprehensive criminal background check. Applications may be picked up at the front desk of the Jefferson City Police Department, or you can download an application at jeffcitymo.org/police/citizenspoliceacademy.html.
Application deadline is Feb. 20.