The Paris Police Department is proud to announce the scheduling of the 8th Annual Citizens Police Academy. Class 2015-8 will begin on Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM on September 15th. Classes are held in the EOC/Training Room at the police station and meet on Tuesday evenings for 10 weeks. There is also one Saturday class where students are taken to the firing range for demonstrations.
The program provides insight to the public on the operations of the department. The instructors are all members of the Paris Police Department who will provide instruction and information concerning a particular area of law enforcement. Local Prosecutors and Judges also assist the department supplying classroom information regarding their part of the criminal justice system. Classes include Uniform Patrol operations, Criminal Investigation, DWI Enforcement, Communications, Crime Prevention, SWAT, Community Policing and many other aspects of the department operations. Students are encouraged to take advantage of a ride-along on patrol but are not required to.
Chief Bob Hundley (pictured) remarked that since the start of this program in 2009, a little over 150 citizens have taken advantage of the class. “The first year we did two academies and since then we have reduced to starting one every September. This program fosters better relations with the citizens we serve and allows them to see what real police work is and what it isn’t. Upon graduation, students can join the CPA Alumni Association. This association assists the department as volunteers for traffic control, attendance at special events and provides volunteer patrol activity. This association has provided support to the department since inception and we are very proud of our volunteers.”
A criminal history check will be conducted on all applicants, and those with recent criminal backgrounds may not be accepted into this program. All applicants must be at least 18 years of age and class attire will be casual. For more information contact Officer Curtis Garrett at 903-737-4111. Applications are available at the Paris Police Department, 2910 Clarksville Street, or on the City’s website (www.paristexas.gov). Click on the police department page and select the page on the Citizen’s Police Academy.