KCPD Citizens Police Academy now enrolling

KCPD Citizen Academy

By John Sharp

Cover photo credit Citizens Police Academy Alumni

The Kansas City Police Department will be hosting a Citizen Police Academy at the South Patrol Division, 9701 Marion Park Dr., from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays starting September 10 and running through November 19.

Although this is quite a bit in the future, only two such programs are offered annually, and interested persons are encouraged to apply early to make sure there is room for them.

The Citizen Police Academy is designed to build a bond of mutual trust and respect between police officers and members of the public and to educate the public about the structure and activities of the department.

Participants get a behind the scenes look at Police Department functions and get an opportunity to engage in frank discussions about police operations with officers.  They also tour Department facilities such as the Kansas City Regional Crime Laboratory.

Police activities that are covered in the Academy include accident, criminal, homicide, narcotics and vice investigations; bomb squad; firearms training; helicopter unit; hostage negotiations; K-9 unit; police dispatch and 9-1-1 services; and tactical response teams.

In order to “graduate” from the program, participants are required to attend at least 9 of the 11 classes and participate in a one shift ride-along with a patrol officer.  Participants who successfully complete the program receive a certificate of completion traditionally awarded by the police chief at the end of the program.

Participation is open to persons at least 18 years old who live, work or attend school in KCMO and pass a criminal background check.

Persons may obtain an application online by going to Citizen’s Police Academy.  They may contact Angela McCune at 816-413-3500 or at angela.mccune@kcpd.org for more information.