Description
Citizen police academies have been in existence in the United States since 1985 when the Orlando Florida Police Department began its first academy. Shortly after, the State of Texas began its first citizen’s police academy at the Missouri City Police Department (TCPAAA, n.d.). Now, there are hundreds of citizen police academies all over the United States. This community oriented police program has proven to be a highly successful program that has done more for policing in bringing law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve closer together in ways that were never imaginable. Citizens participating in the citizen’s police academy get a hands-on perspective into law enforcement. Learning and working alongside police officers for the duration of the academy and beyond helps participants understand police policies and procedures. Graduates of the academy have an overwhelming positive attitude of the police department and in most cases support the agency in raising funds to help purchase much needed equipment and sponsor law enforcement training events. The positive outcomes far outweigh any issues some may rise on the costs and liability concerns.
