For 39 years, Coral Springs residents have been invited to learn more about their local Police Department.
The Coral Springs Citizens Police Academy will be held on May 2nd from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Coral Springs Police Department, located at 2801 Coral Springs Drive. The classes cover topics such as Road Patrol Operations, K9, Special Investigations, Communications, and SWAT. There will also be multiple opportunities for hands-on learning through equipment demonstrations, practical scenarios, and ride-a-longs with patrol officers.
“The goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to allow citizens to better understand the inner workings of the Police Department,” said Debra Hamilton, Senior Office Assistant to the Community Services Component for the City of Coral Springs.
The Citizens Police Academy is free to the public and all applicants must be at least 18 years of age with no felony convictions and are subject to a background check. Selection preferences will be given to Coral Springs residents and those who work or own a business within the City, however everyone is encouraged to apply. Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy are eligible to become a Community Assisted Patrol Volunteer or join the Alumni Association for continued learning opportunities and involvement with the Coral Springs Police Department.
“Attendees are given the opportunity to have an inside perspective of many operational components such as: Special Investigations, Communications (Dispatch), SWAT, K9, road patrol operations including a ride-along with a patrol officer, and more. Additionally, they will receive certification in Bleeding Control (B-CON) and CPR. We hold a gun safety day (which is optional) and a scenario training night, which places the attendee in situations experienced by police officers on a daily basis,” said Hamilton.
The Citizens Police Academy was established during the development of the community policing era.
“The focus was placed on not just fighting crime, but developing relationships between officers, business owners and residents. By allowing citizens to individually meet representatives from the police department, it humanizes the profession by removing any external factors that may filter, alter or skew the image of law enforcement. Many professional relationships as well as friendships are established with individuals within the community through this program,” added Hamilton.
2019 begins the 39th annual Citizens Police Academy, which originally was held bi-annually over 20 years ago.
“As the years have progressed, and the need for policing has become more prevalent due to increase in population, attendees are exposed to additional specialty units and a more hands-on learning experience. Attendees range from older retired individuals to young adults with an interest in a career in law enforcement,” said Hamilton.
Any questions about the Citizens Police Academy can be directed to Debbie Hamilton at 954-346-1746 or [email protected].