Apply Now for UK Citizens Police Academy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 23, 2017) —  The Citizens Police Academy (CPA), a 10-week course to better understand the functions and responsibilities of law enforcement, is offered this fall through the University of Kentucky Police Department. Each class will cover a different aspect of law enforcement ranging from traffic stops to K-9 operations.

The mission of CPA is to utilize educational opportunities to foster a more cohesive relationship between law enforcement officers and the campus and Lexington communities. Graduates will be able to share their knowledge and help others become more familiar with police practices. Additionally, a Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association was newly created to provide support for UKPD.

“We highly encourage members of the community to take advantage of the Citizens Police Academy class,” said UKPD Chief Joe Monroe. “It helps pull back the curtain of mystery that often surrounds law enforcement and greatly benefits not only the participants, but our officers as well.”

CPA classes will begin every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 12 until Nov. 14. Participants will get to “ride along” with an officer and upon completion, will receive a CPA T-shirt and take part in a formal graduation ceremony.

“The class was amazing!” said Melissa Witt, college business analyst specialist in the UK College of Engineering. “I never realized all the things that the campus police do to keep us safe. Definitely worth the time to attend.”

The first CPA class was held in the fall of 2007. Since then, more than 100 participants have successfully completed the program. The incoming CPA class will be UKPD’s 23rd class.

The Citizens Police Academy is free and open to all UK faculty, staff, students, and members of the community who are 18 years or older and pass a background investigation. Prospective participants must complete a course application and submit to an electronic background check. Refreshments are provided for all participants.

To register, go to the UKPD Citizens Police Academy webpage at www.uky.edu/Police/citizensacademy.html and click the “Click here to sign up” link at the bottom of the page.

For more information about the UK Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy, contact Officer Amy Boatman at amy.boatman@uky.edu.