Dayton Police Department will host the agency’s first-ever Citizens Police Academy beginning Sept. 3. The program will introduce citizens to the inner workings of the police department and demonstrate some of the processes involved in the criminal justice system with a primary focus on the functions of the department.
“I have been involved in this program with two other agencies in two other cities for over 20 years and am excited to bring this particular program to Dayton,” said Police Chief Robert Vine. “ One of the most important things we as a department can do is have a solid relationship with our citizens based upon open communication and trust. This program is designed to do just that.”
The Citizens Police Academy is open to residents who live and/or work inside Dayton city limits and is intended to promote more efficient and effective communication between citizens and local law enforcement, establish transparency and build trust.
Individuals who attend the academy will obtain a better understanding of what the department does and why. The Academy will be a total of 8 weeks long and will meet at the Police Department on Tuesday evenings each week from 6 to 9 p.m., from Sept. 3 to Oct. 29. In addition to classroom instruction, each participant will get to ride with an on-duty officer and spend time as an observer in our dispatch communications center.
Participants will be presented with material and information in a classroom setting which will cover such topics as the Penal Code, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics, Juvenile Law and the Criminal Justice System. Participants will also conduct mock traffic stops and will have the opportunity to try their hand at processing a mock crime scene.
Participants must be at least 21 years of age with no felony convictions, be a resident or own a business inside the city limits of Dayton.
Anyone interested in participating in the Citizen Police Academy should stop by the Dayton Police Department, 2002 N. Cleveland St., and pick up an application or visit www.daytontx.org/CPA.
Enrollment is limited to 20 individuals. Participants will be selected on a first come first serve basis, with the Chief of Police having the final say. Applications must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2019.