The Turlock Police Department will be hosting a Citizens’ Police Academy starting Jan. 16, 2014.

The program is designed to provide citizens with information and resources, mutual learning, critical analysis of issues, and an exchange of ideas and perspectives within the police department and the criminal justice system. The program consists of a series of 12 classes and discussions held once a week, on Thursday evenings typically from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is no cost to enroll. 

The classes will provide an in-depth view into various areas and specialized units of law enforcement. It is an educational and informative program that gives citizens the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in Turlock, and how to develop a partnership with the police department.

It is the police department’s goal that upon completion of the course, participants will have a better understanding of what the police do and why, and experience improved communication and partnership between themselves and the police department. 

There are over 30 presentations in this course, and some of the topics discussed are: Officer Recruitment and Training, Crime Scene Investigation, Police Emergency Communications Center (Dispatch), Crime Prevention, Narcotics Enforcement and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT). 

There is limited space in the Citizens’ Academy and registration is required. Those interested in attending please email or call Turlock Police Department Crime Prevention Officer Michelle Backeroff for information about the course at 656-3153, or mbackeroff@turlock.ca.us. Registration deadline is Jan. 9, 2014.