The Asheville Police Department celebrated the graduation of its Fall Citizen’s Police Academy class on December 15, with 25 people graduating from the program. The program allows citizens to gain an understanding of the police department and how it operates.
The Citizen’s Police Academy is a 14-week program in which participants can experience up close and behind-the-scenes of how law enforcement works. Attendees learn about forensics, the K9 unit, the bomb squad, investigative techniques and even participate in a ride along with officers on patrol. Class participants complete a total of 47 hours of training while also forging relationships with the officers who serve the Asheville community.
Academy participant Anne Gaddy said the program was very informative for her. “The program gave me a better understanding of what a police officer goes through on a daily basis,” she said.
“The program allows the community to see who the police department is and what we do each and every day,” said Crime Prevention Officer Keith McCulloch, who coordinates the academy. “This is a great way for people to learn more about us and for us to make more connections in the community. We want to reach out to the community. We are their police department.”
The Asheville Police Department offers a Citizen’s Police Academy twice a year. The next academy will start in March 2017. Participants must apply and be accepted in order to participate. For more information about this program, contact Officer Keith McCulloch at kmcculloch@ashevillenc.gov.
You can also download an application here.