|
Why do you have a Citizens Police Academy?
The CPA concept is seen as a means to foster a better relationship
between the community and the police department. Through television
and other media there are wide-spread misconceptions about the
police and how we operate. The CPA classes help dispel those myths
by presenting factual information in an informal setting. Graduates
leave with an enhanced awareness and appreciation of the challenges
and decisions our officers face on a daily basis. By participating
in various class activities, citizens begin to see the world from
behind the badge. It’s the ultimate “cops and robbers” game many of
us played as children.
When is the next class?
Our 12th
class begins Thursday, August 12, 2004 from 7-10 p.m. The course is
12 weeks long and ends with an optional graduation banquet. Most
classes are held at the McKinney Police Department or in other city
buildings. There is no class during McKinney’s Spring Break.
Who can attend?
Through a
referral by any McKinney Police Officer or CPA graduate anyone with
a clean criminal background and at least 21 years old and
a resident or employee within the city limits, can apply to the
academy.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge to attend. You will receive a photo ID and CPA
shirt to wear to class each week. Historically, class members have
taken turns bringing refreshments each week and the optional
graduation banquet is funded by the class.
What happens if I can’t attend all classes?
You may miss a total of 6 class hours or two full class sessions and
still graduate from the course. If you miss more than this you may
still attend but you will not officially graduate. The course is
cumulative with each class of instruction building on the previous
session. It is difficult to make up lost instruction with excessive
absences.
Do
we take tests?
The Citizens Police Academy can best be described as
“infotainment.” As such, the instructors work hard to teach and to
keep the subject matter as interesting as possible. There are no
tests to take but since the course is cumulative, assimilating
information from each class makes all successive lessons easier to
understand.
What will I learn in the Citizens Police Academy?
Officers and Instructors will teach a variety of topics including
K-9, Crime Scene Processing, Emergency Communications, S.W.A.T.,
Narcotics & Vice Investigations, Traffic Stops, and Building
Searches. We start at the beginning with what it takes to hire an
officer and progress through some of the same training topics
officers have in the actual police academy. We strive to make the
classes interactive with a lot of hands-on activities and
demonstrations. You will learn that what you see on TV police shows
is not quite real.
Will I get to shoot a gun or arrest anyone?
The Citizens Police Academy is not adequate preparation and training
necessary for peace officer certification and licensing. While we
cover the Force Continuum in class, we do not have the resources
necessary to cover firearms training. CPA graduates have the
opportunity to ride out on patrol with an officer where they
frequently experience the variety inherent to police work. Without
fail, all graduates who have taken advantage of the ride out have
said the experience far exceeded their expectations.
I
was invited but my spouse wasn’t. Can we both attend?
Certainly both of you can apply. In fact, we’ve had several couples
attend and they say that the class is like “date night” for them.
Most graduates wonder what they will do on Thursday nights when the
course ends.
I
need more information. Whom may I contact?
Randy Haak 972-547-7682 or Tammy Parent at 972-547-7683
Where do I send my completed application?
Send your completed application to:
McKinney Police Department
Attn: Community
Services Division
130 S. Chestnut St.
McKinney, TX 75069 |
