San Rafael Police Department Offers First Spanish-Language Citizens' Academy

SAN RAFAEL, CA – The San Rafael Police Department is launching its first-ever citizens’ police academy for Spanish speakers.

The Spanish Citizens’ Police Academy will give residents an interactive, behind-the-scenes look at police department operations. The free program will be led by bilingual officers beginning in March.

The program will cover subjects such as crime scenes, drug investigations, traffic cases and use-of-force tactics. Students will also have an opportunity to take rides in patrol cars and the patrol boat, meet a police dog and participate in an optional course at a local shooting range.

Classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays from March 29 through May 31. The final class will include a graduation ceremony.

The program will take place at the San Rafael City Council Chambers at 1400 Fifth Ave. Classes will be limited to approximately 25 participants.

Applicants must be 18 or older and live, work or attend school within the city of San Rafael.

The application deadline is Feb. 29. Applications are available at

www.srpd.org/beinvolved/academy_form.php. More information is available by calling Community Service Officer Antonette Bullock at 415-485-3114.

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