The Citizen’s Police Academy is a police department interactive program. It is design to educate the public about its departmental policies and regulations, the criminal justice system, and ways to prevent crime. The program allows members of the department and members of the community to interact in a very positive and proactive setting. It is further hoped that the instruction will increase police awareness, dispel suspicion and misconception, and increase police/community rapport through this educative process.
Participants in the program will receive limited instruction on departmental history, recruit selection and training, departmental organization, criminal law and investigation, traffic investigation and enforcement, use of force, patrol methods, community policing and much more. Practical application and exercises will also be implemented on a limited basis. These exercise will promote an understanding of the intricacies and intangibles of the “job”.
The Salisbury City Police Department wishes to emphasis that the program is designed to educate the public about the basic fundamentals of policing. It is our goal to educate the public about why and what we do, more so than in teaching how we do it. Participation in the program is not intended to encourage or certify police action by the participants.
Applications can be obtained by contacting the Salisbury Police Department. Any one over eighteen years of age is eligible to apply. Participants will be subjected to a limited background check. Academy participants are then selected into the program by the Chief of Police. Once you are selected you will receive a letter of confirmation and a list of academy rules, regulations, and schedule.
The Citizen’s Police Academy is a ten-week program, with classes meeting once week at the Salisbury Police Department from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm. The course is also offered through web based platform, in the event COVID restrictions.
During the program participants will learn about the following topics:
- Patrol Functions
- Communications
- Use of Force
- Accreditation
- Internal Affairs
- Tactical Operations
- Police K-9
- Field Stops
- Civil Disturbance
- Traffic Stops
- Animal Control
- Training/Recruiting
- Community Affairs
- Crises Intervention Training (CIT)
- Peer Support/Mental Health
Register for the Spring 2024 Citizens Police Academy here.