CHPD seeking applicants for 2015 Citizens Police Academy

The Cleveland Heights Police Department (CHPD) is accepting applications for the second class of the Cleveland Heights Citizens Police Academy.

Participation is free. The brief application process is open to anyone interested in learning more about how police are trained and how CHPD operates.

In 12 classes conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings over six weeks beginning Aug. 11, students in the Citizens Police Academy will receive survey-level instruction on the same topics taught to full-time cadets who train there. Each topic is covered by an academy instructor who is knowledgeable, highly trained and active in the field. 

The instructors speak from substantial, personal knowledge and experience, according to members of the 2014 Citizens Police Academy, and were open to dialogue while providing straightforward answers to questions.

CHPD introduced the program last year as part of Police Chief Jeffrey Robertson’s effort to deepen mutual understanding and regard between the department and the community it serves. It's an opportunity for citizens to learn about police training and police work, and for the department to hear citizens’ perceptions about policing in Cleveland Heights, Robertson said.

Topics covered include laws of arrest, use of deady force, criminal investigation and crime scene techniques, drug investigations and search warrants, traffic enforcement, patrol techniques and other topics. Participants also get exposure to the SWAT, K-9 and other specialized units within the police force.

The curriculum includes a self-defense overview and hands-on weapons safety training, but it does not involve shooting or require a specific level of fitness. 

If you are interested in applying, contact Captain Geoffrey Barnard at the Cleveland Heights Police Academy at 216-691-9751 or chacademy@msn.com. Applications are available at http://bit.ly/chcpa.

To read blog posts from a member of the the inaugural Citizens Police Academy, visit bit.ly/chcpa-blog.