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The mission of the Citizen’s Police
Academy is to educate the citizens of Covington and the surrounding area
with the operations of their police department.
The Citizen’s Police Academy
is a revolutionary concept in law enforcement and Police /Community
relations. It will provide the community members with an inside look at
local law enforcement. The purpose of this academy is to increase
understanding between the citizens and law enforcement, through
education and interaction with members of the Covington Police
Department. This academy will give citizens the opportunity to learn why
we “can” and/or “can not” do certain things. It is hoped that the
instruction will increase public awareness to dispel suspicions and
misconceptions, and to increase police/community rapport through this
positive educational program.
A program like the
Citizen’s Police Academy also allows more open discussion between the
police and citizens. This makes it much easier to exchange ideas and
receive feedback on the various programs that the police department is
using. This will also give the public an opportunity to voice concerns
and offer ideas that can assist in solving issues. The Citizen’s Police
Academy will go to great lengths to improve community relations between
many aspects of society, for example; local businesses, citizens, police
officers, and local governments.
The ten-week/30 hour
training program consists of classroom and “hands-on” instruction.
Topics covered include the duties of a uniform patrol officer,
investigative procedures, tactical operations, laws and legal issues,
use of the drug dog “Toby”, and Drug Task Force Operations. Students
will participate in many interesting activities such as touring the
Police Department, using police equipment, collecting evidence and role
playing. If time is permitted, other topics may be added.
The maximum number
of participants will not exceed 16, so please sign up as soon as you can
to ensure a spot in this academy. For the most part, the sessions will
be held at the Covington Police Department at 333 West Locust Street. In
the event that the location is changed, the participants will be
notified in advance by e-mail or telephone.
The instruction will
be comprehensive, covering different areas of the police department and
the judicial system each week. Each participant will receive a syllabus,
along with an instruction manual at the beginning of the academy. The
officers of the Covington Police Department will be the primary
instructors for the academy. However, we will call on special guest
speakers when it is deemed necessary. Chief J.B. Broughman will be
overseeing the general academy operations while 1st Sergeant Dawson and
Officer Smith will coordinate the academy.
Graduates of this
course will not be police officers or law enforcing citizen, but will be
better-informed citizens. The graduates will be in a position to relate
their experiences to friends and co-workers. Graduates may also at times
serve as a liaison between citizens and law enforcement.
Interested candidates can
contact the Covington Police Department on our non-emergency line @
540-965-6333
and request an application.
You will need to speak with 1st
Sergeant R.A. Dawson or Officer C.J. Smith. Interested candidates may also
go to our website at
www.police.covington.va.us
and download an application. Candidates
must be at least 18 years of age and have no criminal record. There is
no cost to attend the Citizen Police Academy other than your time. We
think that you will find it to be a worthwhile investment. No one will
be rejected due to their sex, race, employment, Socio-economic status,
or disability.
The officers of the
Covington Police Department look forward to meeting all participates at
the Citizen’s Police Academy. |
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Click on the Police Officer below to download a copy of the Citizen's Police Academy Application!
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2009 Citizens Academy Graduation 18 March 2009 |
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| 2009 Citizens Academy Class Photograph | |
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| Bill Davidson(Graduate of 2nd annual class) speaks to the graduating glass. | |
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