Those who are interested in learning more about law enforcement and the Demopolis Police Department are invited to join the latest Citizens Police Academy class.
The Demopolis Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy provides community members with an inside look at local law enforcement. During the academy, students will be introduced to our community based police service. Training topics include police ethics, internal affairs, drug enforcement, traffic law, criminal investigations, and firearm safety.
The DPD is accepting applications for its upcoming CPA class which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, March 28. The deadline to submit applications for the upcoming session is Thursday, March 16.
Those who participate will experience an eight-week program that provides an opportunity to learn more about local law enforcement. Through a series of weekly sessions, participants learn everything from filling out reports to investigating the scene of a crime. Local officers and other officials lead each course.
“The academy is designed to give citizens an overview of our department’s policies and procedures. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional police academy, but the weekly sessions are not designed to make the participant a police officer,” said DPD Chief Tommie Reese. “Police supervisors and veteran officers teach the classes. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and express their concerns. The department hopes there will be a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community through the education provided by the Citizen Police Academy.”
Those who complete the course will have the opportunity to join the CPA Alumni Association, a group that provides support to the department in various ways.
“As alumni members, we support the department by helping at National Night Out and other events the police department sponsors. We also raise money throughout the year that allows the department to purchase items not covered in the budget,” said Melanie Soronen of the CPA Alumni Association.
The weekly CPA classes meet each Tuesday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Classes include: self defense, police officer recruitment, vehicle pursuits, DUI detection, crime scene investigations, and more.
To register, visit the DPD at 301 E. Washington St. or go online to www.demopd.org to obtain an application. Those registering must be at least 21 years of age and live or work within the City of Demopolis.