DeKalb Honors Citizens' Academy Class

The DeKalb County Police Department will host its first Citizens' Academy Graduation on Aug. 18. Thirty-eight people will be presented certificates for completing the free ten week course.

During the program, officers from various units provided academy attendees an inside perspective about the complexities and operational structure of various units ranging from Uniform Patrol to the Crime Investigation Divisions. It’s the aim of the program to assist in building and nurturing stronger relationships between the community and the DeKalb County Police Force. Following graduation, the participants will continue to partner with the Department by volunteering at precincts and during community events.

The class completed met weekly for ten weeks for presentations from the different departments, including: uniform division, sex crimes, DUI task force, commercial vehicles, SWAT team, helicopter unit, DA's office, solicitor's office, gang task force, and many more. They toured the Medical Examiner's office and rode with a uniformed officer for a full shift.

They are now certified to work with the VIP program patrolling neighborhoods with close communication with DeKalb police. In addition, they are able to support officers by volunteering in many areas at our local precincts.

DeKalb plans to offer another Citizens' Police Academy soon. The contact for the program is: gkJeffer@dekalbcountyga.gov

The DeKalb County Police Department will host an opportunity for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Department. The DeKalb County Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) brings the police and the community close together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant. However, there are only seven slots available for those who will be committed to this program. Master Police Ofc. G.K. Jefferson, Administrative Officer,
will process the applications on a first come first serve basis.

Participants receive a few hours of training one evening each week (Tuesdays or Thursdays) in many of the varied functions of law enforcement. CPA participants meet and talk with many of the street officers as well as the command staff and training staff that serves them. All this takes place in a safe and entertaining training environment at Headquarters at 1950/1960 W. Exchange Place in Tucker.

The next session of the Citizens' Police Academy will begin the first week of May 2012. The program will be held each weekday evening, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for ten weeks.

Make sure to submit your applications via email as soon as you complete the application. If you need additional assistance, please contact the email address gkJeffer@dekalbcountyga.gov

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:
Potential candidates must meet the following criteria:
• Minimum age of 21 years
• Live or work in DeKalb County
• No prior felony convictions (background checks will be processed)