The Opelika Police Department recently opened up applications for the Citizens Police Academy, which is an eight-week program that provides citizens with the opportunity to learn more about the police department.
The police department is seeking to connect with any citizen older than 18 in order to educate them on what police officers do and the different ways the department operates.
Capt. Shane Healey discussed some of the classes that the citizens are taught during the course, which lasts from April to May.
“We have multiple classes that talk about the different divisions and things we do within the police department,” Healey said. “We have weeks dedicated to different aspects of the department.”
The program provides real-life classes that educate citizens on things such as the patrol division, detectives, the narcotics unit, the canine unit, the swat team and how they carry out traffic stops.
This is the fifth year the Opelika Police Department has offered this program to the public.
Healey said is open to anyone in the community that wants to learn more about the police department.
“We get all kinds of people,” Healey said. “People from different walks of life, men and women. Sometimes we get husbands and wives who come together.”
These people are applying for this program for a wide variety of reasons, as well. It’s not only a chance to learn, but also a chance to get involved in Opelika, Healey said.
“We also get younger people who are interested in ... police work ... who may want to join the field in the future,” Healey said. “We also get older retired people who just want to get involved in their community and see what’s going on.”
Applications for the program will be accepted until March 9 at 5 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to contact OPD if they have any questions.
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