Citizen Police Academy Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of conducting a citizen police academy?

         The purpose of the  Citizen's Community  Police  Academy is to  foster  better

         communication  between  citizens  and police through education. The Citizen's

         Police Academy offers citizens insights into how the Police Department works,

         how police officers  perform their  duties and   how the  department serves the

         community.  This  is   accomplished   through  a  series  of   classes   involving

         instruction   by  police  officers.    The  academy  creates  a  nucleus  of  well-

         informed  citizens  who  possess  greater   insight   into   police  practices   and

         services.   Graduates of the  academy are encouraged to share their knowledge

         and  experiences  with  the  community as  the  opportunity  arises.   Everyone

         benefits from  enhancing citizen understanding of the role and function of their

         police department.

What was the W.M.P.D. incentive for starting a C. P. A.

         The  goal  of  the  C. P. A.  is  to provide  enough  information to the public to

         dispel   misconceptions  and  to  increase  the  rapport   between  citizens   and

         police  officers.  We hope  the graduates  of  the C. P. A.  become more aware

         and  better  informed  about  how  the  Police  Department  operates, and  will

         recommend  their  friends,  coworkers  and families  to join  the West Monroe

         Police  Department  in  this  rewarding program. We feel the more information

         the  public  has  about  the  police  department,  less fears and  misconceptions

         will  exist.  Many  conflicts  are caused  simply by lack of understanding.

Where did the concept originate?

         The program originated in  Orlando, Florida in 1984. Orlando was the first city

         in the United States to start a Citizen Police Academy.

When does the class meet?

         The classes are held one day a week, usually on a Tuesday.

Who attends the Citizen Police Academy?

         Students  range from 17 years of age and above.  We have architects, bankers,

         homemakers,    students,    retirees,    teachers,    neighborhood   groups,   and

         professionals attending the classes.

When does the next class begin?

       May 31, 2007     - Citizens Police Academy #7 begins.

        August 30, 2007 - Citizens Police Academy #8 begins.

How do you apply?