Openings Available for Yakima Police Department Citizens Academy

Contact:

YPD Sergeant Linda Watts – 575-6158

Communications & Public Affairs Dir. Randy Beehler – 901-1142

 

Applications are now being accepted for the Yakima Police Department Citizens Academy that will take place each Tuesday night over an eight-week period beginning April 9th.

“We used to conduct citizens academy sessions regularly, but we haven’t had the resources to offer one for several years,” said YPD Sergeant Linda Watts, who is coordinating the revived training course.  “It’s a great opportunity to give citizens a better understanding of the job police officers perform and the dangerous situations they face on a daily basis.”

Results of the 2012 Yakima Citizens Survey indicated that community members expected the City to take steps to improve public safety. Bringing back the Yakima Police Department Citizens Academy was included in the City’s Strategic Plan as one part of that effort.

The academy is free to the public and will consist of classroom sessions that will run for two hours each over the course of the eight-week program.  The classes will be held in the YPD Special Operations Building located at 207 S. 3rd Street.  An optional Saturday class at a shooting range is also part of the academy.

The academy will cover a wide range of law enforcement activities including gang enforcement, the YPD K-9 program, traffic enforcement, firearms, the YPD SWAT team, forensics, narcotics, criminal investigations, and the operational structure of the YPD.

SAFE Yakima Valley Communities is providing financial assistance for the event.

Academy participants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.  Enrollment is on a first come basis and because of the background check requirement, applications should be submitted by Friday, April 5th.

Applications are available at the Yakima Police Department or by contracting Sergeant Linda Watts by phone at 575-6158 or by e-mail at linda.watts@yakimawa.gov

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