The Steamboat Springs Police Department unveiled a new Citizens’ Police Academy designed to enhance the community’s knowledge about local law enforcement, their duties and responsibilities as well as its public safety programs and services.
“A stronger city is built upon a positive partnership between its citizens and local law enforcement,” said Chief Cory Christensen. “I believe the academy will strengthen this relationship while providing our citizens a better understanding of the officers who serve Steamboat Springs.”
The inaugural class for roughly a dozen community members will run 6-9pm every Wednesday evening from April 26 through June 28, 2017. All classes are instructed by police personnel and there is no cost to the student.
Internally designed, the academy is set up to allow participation from a wide group of individuals and includes a modest physical element. The 10-week interactive curriculum will cover numerous topics associated with the department and general law enforcement touching upon the following areas:
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Decision Making/Use of Force
Self Defense Tactics
Drunk Driving Enforcement
Drug Enforcement
Domestic Violence
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Police Ethics
Internal Affairs
Firearms
MIPs/Juvenile Drinking
Arrest Control
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Forensics
Radar Enforcement
Police Equipment
Animal & Code Enforcement
Criminal Justice Records
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While the requirements to attend the academy are minimal, applicants must be at least 21 years of age, possess a high school reading and writing level and be able to sit for up to three hours in a classroom environment. Students will have opportunities to participate in more active police-related sessions, but participation in any hands-on training is voluntary. The Citizens’ Police Academy is NOT an offer of employment, but a volunteer program to educate members of the community.
The Citizens’ Police Academy is intended to run annually; however, it is the desire of the department to grow the program to twice a year with a spring and fall class. In addition, an alumni association will be established to ensure students maintain connections with the department and fellow academy graduates.
Applications and personal history statement may be found on the city website at www.steamboatsprings.net/PoliceAcademy. Applications must be returned by March 14, 2017 and individuals selected for the academy will be notified no later than April 17, 2017. A background check is required for all participants. For additional information specific to the Citizens’ Police Academy application process, contact Barb Simms at 970-879-4344 or bsimms@steamboatsprings.net.
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Contact Information:
Cory Christensen, Police Chief – (970) 879-4344 or cchristensen@steamboatsprings.net
Jerry Stabile, Police Commander – (970) 879-4344 or jstabile@steamboatsprings.net