The Newport Beach Police Department is proud to offer the Citizens' Police Academy to local residents. Designed to increase the understanding of the Police Department's operations, the Academy is conducted over a twelve-week period. Students will learn from department personnel who are experts in the areas of SWAT, K-9, narcotics, major crimes, patrol and helicopter operations, traffic laws, firearms and other related fields. All students will participate in practical demonstrations and a ride-along sometime during the Academy session.

Students will gain an overall knowledge of the Newport Beach Police Department, how we are organized, how we serve the community, and how we respond when citizens call. Even though the subject matter is similar to a traditional police academy, the Citizens' Academy is not designed to prepare students to be police officers. There is no exercise or stress in this academy as might be found in a traditional police academy, and we encourage people of all ages over 21 years to attend. A typical class will consist of 24 people of all age groups. However, all graduates are eligible to apply for our Volunteer In Policing Program within the Police Department.

Instructors are drawn from all levels of the department. Students will meet the Chief of Police, managers, supervisors, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and other department employees. We encourage students to ask questions and express their concerns about pertinent issues. A major goal of the Citizens' Police Academy is to increase understanding between our citizens and the Police Department, and to enhance the strong relationship, which already exists.

Citizens' Police Academy students will enjoy a variety of experiences, including the following: Police facility tour, make simulated car stops, helicopter demonstration, S.W.A.T. team demonstration, shooting range, fingerprinting and crime scene investigative techniques.

Prospective participants for the Citizens' Police Academy must meet the following criteria:

• Live or work in Newport Beach
  
  
• Minimum age of 21 years
  
  
• No felony convictions, outstanding warrants, or pending criminal cases

For further information please call the Newport Beach Police Department Community Relations Office at (949) 644-3662 or klowe@nbpd.org.