Citizens Police Academy

What is the Citizens Police Academy?

Are you interested in getting an up-close look at what police do? The Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week program, one block of instruction per week, designed to give participants an understanding of the operation of the Montgomery Police Department and a working knowledge of what law enforcement is all about. The academy classes are held once a week at the Montgomery Police Department and are approximately 2 hours in duration. Each class will be limited to 20 students. There is no cost for residents to participate.

Each class will provide an overview of various areas of law enforcement. Classes will be given on the following topics:

• History of The Montgomery Police Department
• Qualifications/hiring process
• Communications
• Laws of arrest, search, and seizure
• Patrol Functions, DUI enforcement
• Traffic enforcement practicals
• Investigations
• Gang/Drug Information
• Presentation and hands on evidence processing experience
• Optional Ride-a-long
• Crime Prevention
• Gun Laws/Safety
• Information on special units (SRT, CPAT, ILEAS)

Several demonstrations will take place during the academy, in which attendees will be allowed to participate.

The academy will conclude with a graduation ceremony and each participant will receive a certificate of completion.

Why Participate?

The Montgomery Police Department adheres to the philosophy of Community Oriented Policing and is committed to developing partnerships with citizens of the Village. The Citizens Police Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to develop direct lines of communication with the Police Department. The citizens participating in the academy will have a working knowledge of the Montgomery Police Department and its functions. It is hoped that the instruction will strengthen police-community rapport through an educational process, increase understanding of police practices and procedures, and dispose of misconceptions. The police department in turn, becomes more aware of the concerns and questions of the community it serves.

Who Can Attend?

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and reside in the Village of Montgomery. They must be of good moral character with no felony convictions. There will be a criminal history review conducted on each applicant prior to acceptance into the academy. An application for the academy must be completed and signed along with a waiver of liability. You will be notified when you are accepted into the Citizen Police Academy.

What the Academy is NOT.

The Citizens Police Academy is not designed to make participants certified police officers. The participation and completion of the academy is designed to develop partnerships with the community. Graduating from the academy does not grant police authority to participants.

Attendance

You are expected to attend all sessions in order to graduate. We understand that emergencies do occur. If you are unable to attend a session, please call Commander Palko, 331-212-9054. More than two absences and you will not be allowed to graduate. Out of courtesy to the instructor(s) and your fellow students, please arrive on time.