After being abruptly interrupted in March 2020 as COVID-19 lockdowns went into effect, the Crestview Citizens Police Academy will return this year, although it will be a “condensed” version, CPD Officer Sam Kimmons said.
“Obviously, there are some things we won’t be able to do,” Officer Kimmons said. “For example, we can’t tour the jail this time.”
To allow social distancing during Warriors Hall classroom instruction, the 2021 free academy will be limited to 20 participants, who will meet each Tuesday for six weeks beginning March 9. Graduation will be April 13.
Though truncated from the usual 10-week course, Citizens Police Academy will still cover a thorough overview of police departments and divisions with core subjects including dispatch, patrol, investigations, chaplaincy, K9, SWAT and the interrelationship between police and other first responders, including the Crestview Fire Department.
“People who participate are going to discover there’s a lot more to being a police officer than writing traffic citations,” Officer Kimmons said.
Upon their April 13 graduation, students will be eligible to join the Crestview Citizens Police Academy Alumni, a non-profit organization that partners with the Police Department to support community involvement and raise funds for equipment and materials not covered by the city budget.
Citizens Police academy applications are available from the Police Department, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., City Hall and online at www.crestviewpd.org. Applications must be returned in person by March 2. Applicants must present a valid photo ID.
“We encourage all of our citizens to take advantage of this unique opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at their police department,” Police Chief Stephen McCosker said.
CRESTVIEW CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY
What: Weekly 6-week immersive course in the functions of the community police department
When: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays, March 9-April 13
Where: Classroom instruction is at Warriors Hall, Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd.
Cost: Academy and materials are free, but participants must agree to attend the entire 6-week
course
Notes: Applications available at the Crestview Police Department, Whitehurst Municipal
Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd., or online at www.crestviewpd.org. Applications are due March 2.