The 12-week program, which takes place in the spring and fall, is designed to educate the public about the operation of the police department and how the involvement of the community can help deter crime.
Classes begin March 27 and take place from 6 to 8 p.m. each Thursday. There is one Saturday class at a gun range from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“The Citizens Police Academy is the single best program undertaken by police officers to build partnerships in our community in order to improve relationships and how we can work together to deter crime,” Snellville Police Department Chief Roy Whitehead said. “Once the participants have graduated, they become ambassadors in the community for our officers and our department. Together, we foster a positive interactive relationship with the citizens we serve.”
Law enforcement topics will be discussed and attendees engage in practical exercises with Snellville police officers. Topics include domestic violence, drug awareness, traffic stops, firearms training and crime scene processing. A tour of Gwinnett County Jail and a graduation ceremony will also be offered.
The program, which was created in 2003, is open to all Snellville-area residents 18 and older and is free of charge.
Applications are available on the city’s website – www.snellville.org – or can be picked up at the police department located at 2315 Wisteria Drive, Snellville. A background check will be conducted on all applicants prior to acceptance to the program.
For more information contact class coordinator Sgt. Rob Pendleton at 770-985-3555 or rpendleton@snellville.org.
