The Carbondale Police Department is taking applications for the Citizens Police Academy. The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) is to develop positive relations, and a better understanding and communication between the police and the community through education. The goal is to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens, who have the potential of influencing public opinions about police practices and services. Citizens will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions. The citizens will also have an opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the police.
The academy will be divided into two components, consisting of Basic and Advanced Classes. Each Academy will have five sessions. The Basic Academy will focus on an overview of police department divisions, low level patrol tactics and traffic stops, introduction to investigations and crime scenes. The Advanced Academy will consist of higher level patrol tactics and traffic stops, Bomb Squad presentation, Court perspective and firearms familiarization. The advanced class will be open those who complete the Basic Class or prior CPA graduates.
The Fall 2021 Basic Academy classes will be held on the following schedule:
1 - Wednesday September 22, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
2 - Wednesday October 6, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
3 - Wednesday October 20, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
4 - Wednesday November 3, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
5 - Wednesday November 17, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
A second Basic Academy and an Advanced Academy will be offered in the Spring of 2022, but the class dates have not been set at this time.
There is no cost for the academy and anyone is welcome to apply. Every applicant will undergo a background check. Our goal is to increase the knowledge of each student on “who, what, when, why and how” the Carbondale Police Department operates. Applications can be completed and submitted by using the following secure site:
https://www.explorecarbondale.com/206/Citizens-Police-Academy
Applications can also be completed at the Carbondale Police Department through the Records Division. All applications are due by Monday September 20th, 2021.
Anyone who needs additional information about the academy can visit the above listed link or contact the following:
Gerald Edwards - Community Resource Officer
618-457-3200 EXT/454
gedwards@explorecarbondale.com
or
Randy Mathis - Community Resource Officer
618-457-3200 EXT/402
rmathis@explorecarbondale.com