Durango Police Department Offers Citizens’ Police Academy

 

The Durango Police Department is currently accepting applications for the Citizens’ Police Academy, which begins Wednesday, March 18, 2010. 

The Academy is designed to provide residents of La Plata County with first-hand information about how the Durango Police Department works.  Participation in the Academy requires a commitment of one night a week for the ten-week program.  Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and run from March 18 through May 20, 2010.

 

Through education, the Citizens’ Police Academy seeks to build a better understanding and positive relations between members of the community and the police.  Participants will learn the role of law enforcement in the criminal justice system, and obtain an increased understanding and overview of police work.

 

The program is taught by Durango Police Department officers and other local criminal justice professionals.  Included in the sessions is information about domestic violence, gangs, patrol operations, traffic problems, community policing, tactical response and how cases are investigated.  Participants will have the opportunity to ride with an on-duty officer and observe firsthand what officers see, hear and do in response to a variety of circumstances.  Additionally, students may elect to shoot several different types of weapons used by the Department and receive some unarmed self-defense training.

 

All La Plata County residents are encouraged to apply.  The Citizens’ PoliceAcademy is limited to 25 participants.  If you are interested and would like additional information, call the office of the Chief of Police at 375-4701, or stop by the Durango Police Department located at the corner of 10^th Street and East 2^nd Avenue.