FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARBONDALE – The Carbondale Police Department is accepting 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 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 is divided into two components: Basic and Advanced Classes. Each Academy will have five sessions. The Basic Academy will focus on an overview of police department divisions, patrol tactics, traffic stops, and an introduction to investigations and crime scenes. Classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the following schedule:
#1 – Wednesday, February 8, 2023
#2 - Wednesday, February 15, 2023
#3 - Wednesday, February 22, 2023
#4 - Wednesday, March 1, 2023
#5 - Wednesday, March 8, 2023
The Advanced Academy will consist of higher-level patrol tactics and traffic stops, use of force simulations, and firearms familiarization. The advanced class will be open to those who complete the Basic Class or prior CPA graduates. The Advance Class will be held following the completion of the basic class. Anyone who has successfully completed the basic academy or prior academy graduates is eligible to apply for the Advanced Academy.
Anyone is welcome to apply for the free academy. 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. Click here for more information about the academy or to complete an online application form.
Applications can also be picked up in person at the Carbondale Police Department located at 501 South Washington Street. Questions about the academy should be directed to Randy Mathis at 457-3200 ext. 402 or rmathis@explorecarbondale.com. Applications must be submitted by Monday, February 6, at 5 p.m.
The Citizens Police Academy is not a part of the hiring process for the position of Police Officer with the City of Carbondale.
The mission of the Carbondale Police Department is to work in partnership with our community to preserve life, protect human rights, protect property and improve quality of life by providing police service to all in a fair, sensitive and professional manner
###