Course sheds light on police

The City of Cottonwood will soon be getting a Citizen Police Academy program. The program will help the community take part in keeping the peace.
File photo/Larson Newspapers

Curious about how the Cottonwood Police Department operates? Now’s your chance to find out.

According to CPD Det. Sgt. Tod Moore, the department is now accepting applications for the Fall 2016 Citizens Police Academy.

“The Citizens Academy is a 10-week program designed to help Cottonwood residents increase their understanding of how the Police Department works within the community,” Moore stated. “The participants in the Citizens Academy have the opportunity to meet and learn about the men and women who are protecting their community.”

Beyond acquainting themselves with officers and staff, however, Moore stated that participants get insight into “the daily decisions the officers must make and the reasons behind those decisions.”

The academy is broken into separate courses, including patrol operations, K-9 policing, SWAT policing, proactive policing, drugs, use of force and other topics. All classes are taught by CPD personnel. In addition to tours of the department, participants will have the opportunity to ride with an officer on patrol.

To be eligible, applicants must be 18 or older and live or work in Cottonwood. Participation in the academy requires a commitment to attend each training session.

The Citizens Police Academy is scheduled to start on Thursday, Sept. 1. Classes will be held on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Cottonwood Public Safety Building, 199 S. Sixth Street, Cottonwood. The 10 weeks of instruction culminate with a dinner on Thursday, Nov. 10.

There is no cost to participate in the Citizens Academy. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis

Applications can be obtained in the front lobby of the CPD between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information, call Sgt. Cody Savage at 634-4246 ext. 133.

Zachary Jernigan

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