Citizens Police Academy Graduates 38 Residents

GAITHERSBURG, MD — On Wednesday, 38 residents graduated from the Montgomery County Police Department's Citizen Academy — an immersive, 15-week program designed to give participants an understand of how law enforcement operates.

According to authorities, residents learned about different aspects of police work, including criminal law, Maryland traffic law, and investigations.

The academy accepts cadets ages 18 and up who can pass a background check. Class sizes are capped at around 40; and participants are required to attend 12 of the 15 classes in order to graduate.

Topics covered in the academy:

• Canine Demonstration
• Collision Reconstruction Unit
• Conflict Negotiations
• Crime Lab
• Crime Prevention
• Criminal Law/Search & Seizure
• Drug Investigation/CDS Identification
• DUI/Underage Drinking
• Emergency Communications Center
• Emergency Response Team
• Firearm Safety
• Forensic Services
• Gangs
• Internal Affairs Division
• Major Crimes
• Maryland Traffic Law
• Scams and Fraud

Spots are still available for the the upcoming Citizen Academy class. The free, 15-week training takes place at 8751 Snouffer School Rd. in Gaithersburg from May 7 to Aug. 13. Classes are offered one night a week from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Those interested in learning about law enforcement should apply now: applications are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.

To apply, complete the application and mail it to the address listed on the application.

Click here for more information.