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Citizens Police Academy

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Citizens Police Academy
Class of 2011

Now Recruiting for 2012 Class!
It Only Happens Once A Year!

The Tigard Police Department operates a nine week Citizen's Police Academy once a year. The department is presently recruiting interested persons who want to learn about their police department for the upcoming 20th academy planned for spring 2012. The academy is conducted on nine consecutive Wednesday evenings from 7–9:30 p.m. at Tigard City Hall, located at 13125 SW Hall Blvd. This year's session will begin on April 4, 2012 and conclude on May 30, 2012.

The purpose of the academy is to create better understanding and communication between citizens and police through education. The intent is not to produce citizens trained in law enforcement, but to help citizens better understand their city's police department. When the community knows and understands the limitations and abilities of law enforcement, the police can then better serve the community.

The academy subject matter covers a wide range of law enforcement topics such as investigations, patrol functions, traffic related issues, community policing, gangs, narcotics investigations, use of force and firearms. All sessions are conducted by members of the Tigard Police Department. A graduation will conclude the academy. To date, nearly 425 community members have participated in this popular program since it began in 1995.

Academy graduates leave with increased knowledge and enthusiasm to share the newly learned knowledge with their family, friends and neighbors. In addition, some Citizens Police Academy graduates pursue volunteer efforts with the department that closely match their interests. In the past, other graduates of the academy have expanded on their newly discovered interests in law enforcement or other elements of the community.

If you are interested and able to commit to attending most, if not all of the sessions, you are encouraged to apply. A criminal history background check will be conducted to determine eligibility. Apply early as enrollment is limited to 25 participants. Application deadline is March 16, 2012. Letters will be mailed to all applicants indicating acceptance or otherwise after registration closes.

Applications are available online or in the Tigard Police Department lobby. Completed applications can be returned in person, faxed to 503-718-2645 or mailed to the Tigard Police Department, Attn: Jim Wolf, 13125 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR 97223. Completed applications can also be emailed to Jim Wolf. For more information please call 503-718-2561 during normal business hours.