South Bend’s Police Department is now accepting applications for its spring 2015 Citizen’s Police Academy.
The nine week academy provides training in law enforcement aspects and introduces participants to the daily life of a police officer. It’s a way for the department to build relations with people in the community.
“The goal is to foster a spirit of cooperation between the city, residents, and their Police Department,” says South Bend Police Chief Ron Teachman. “It is hoped that participants will get to know more about the men and women who are protecting our community, the various functions they perform, and the skill, commitment, and dedication that South Bend police officers bring to the job every day.”
The classes are limited to forty participants. Topics include crime scene processing, narcotics enforcement, patrol operations, SWAT and K-9 demonstrations, traffic and DWI enforcement, and communications. The classes are free of charge.
The program has been in existence since 1998. Over 800 citizens have graduated from the academy since its inception.
Those interested will need to be at least 18 years old and not have any prior felony convictions. The police department says that they will run criminal background checks on all applicants.
Applications can be downloaded on the department’s website or paper copies can be obtained in the lobby of the department’s headquarters at 701 West Sample Street. Applications will be accepted until February 26.
The Citizen’s Police Academy will be held on Tuesday nights from 6 until 8:30 pm between March 3 and April 28. If you have any questions, you can contact Lt. Pat Hechlinski at (574) 235-7527 or Ptl. James Burns at (574) 235-9401.
