NCJ Number
166137
Date Published
1994
Length
25 pages
Annotation
In 1993, the Bridgeport, Connecticut, Police Department embarked on a concept of educating citizens on the daily activities of police officers through its Citizens Police Academy.
Abstract
The goal of the academy is to foster better police-community relations through training. Graduates are expected to enhance their understanding of the Bridgeport Police Department and to develop an awareness and appreciation of challenges and decisions faced daily by police officers. Selected citizens are trained in several police-related subjects, although graduates are not expected to provide any police services. Requirements for admission to the academy are designed to maintain program quality, and a thorough background investigation on each applicant is conducted. The academy conducts training one evening a week for 14 weeks. During the training period, citizens are required to spend 2 hours inside the police communication center and ride along with a police officer for at least 6 hours. The citizen application form and other forms necessary for academy attendance are included, as well as the academy's course curriculum.