Citizens’ Police Academy program returns to Jefferson City

The Jefferson City Police Department is now accepting applications for its Citizens’ Police Academy,a 10-week education and training program for residents to learn the basic operations of the police department.

We just want to get people more involved with their police department,” said Capt. Doug Shoemaker. “So understanding what we do is just as important to how we do it.”

Shoemaker said participants will get to experience all divisions of the police department from the 911 operations center to internal affairs.

JCPD did not hold the academy program last year due to lack of resources and short staffing, but Shoemaker said the program has been in place for the past 20 years.

He said it’s all about being transparent with the community.

“We feel like it gives citizens a view as to what we really do. We’re not hiding anything,” he said. “That’s a big topic of discussion nationally as to what police agencies are doing to engage the community. Likewise, what the community is doing to engage with the police.”

Participants also have the opportunity for hands-on training during the program with the department’s firearm training simulator. They’ll also be able to go on a “ride along” with the patrol officers.

Participants must be at least 18 years old with no prior felony convictions. Applications for the Citizens’ Police Academy are available at JCPD’s front desk and online.

Applications are due by September 29. The program begins October 6 and ends December 5.