Citizen's Academy & Volunteer Program
"What is a "Citizen's Academy?"
The Citizen's Academy is a five week program designed to provide Kansas City residents, in an academy setting, firsthand information about how their Police Department works.
"How are Participants Selected?"
The Department attempts to reflect the broadest possible range within our community; this includes young and old, men and women, and representatives of special ethnic, cultural and civic groups. However, the minimum age is 21.
Applicants must complete an application form, which is available at the Police Training Academy, 1228 N. 79th St Kansas City, Kansas 66112, Phone (913) 596-2056. You will be notified if you are selected for the next session. There is no fee for the Academy.
"What is the Purpose of the Academy?"
The Academy is designed to increase understanding between citizens and the Police through education.
Our intent is to acquaint citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system and provide increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work.
The instructors are officers and personnel from the Department who teach in their own areas of expertise. Each has years of training and experience in the subject. The officers also bring street experience into the classroom. With better understanding it becomes easier for police and citizens.
"What Subjects are Included?"
The sessions include demonstrations by the Identification and K-9 units, information about domestic violence, the use of force, major crimes, Community Policing, patrol and investigations and even completing car stops and building searches. In one session, members will "fire" the Firearms Training Simulators "FATS" in video taped enactments of crimes.
Also during the five weeks, Academy members will ride in a patrol car for four hours to see firsthand what officers see and hear and what they are trained to do under a variety of circumstances.
Throughout, participants are encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics with Department personnel.
