Applications for the next session of Citizens’ Police Academy, beginning May 21 at 6 p.m., now are being accepted at the Columbus Police Department.
The 10-week program is designed to provide Columbus residents with a chance to experience how the police department operates. Weekly three-hour sessions are taught by police officers and department personnel and cover a wide range of topics, including patrol, criminal investigations, crime scenes, narcotics, DUI enforcement, community policing and defensive tactics.
Citizens’ Police Academy students will take field trips to the department’s crime lab and to its firing range.
The overall objective of the program is to provide citizens with sound and accurate information about the department and the criminal justice process, police officials said.
“People who participate in this program will know a lot of the things our officers know,” Columbus Police Chief Selvain McQueen said. “We want them to know that what they see on TV on shows such as ‘CSI’ is not how things really work. What you see on TV is not reality. We are hoping the applicants will share the information they learn with other members of the community.
Applicants must pass a background check before being accepted into the class. Upon graduation, participants can join the CPA alumni association to help future classes, as well as participate in events and activities held by the department.
For an application or more information, call 662-244-3528.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
