UK Police to Offer Citizen Police Academy Beginning Sept. 18

LEXINGTON, Ky.  (Aug. 30, 2012) — Participants in the University of Kentucky Police Deaprtment's Citizen Police Academy (CPA) may not end up with a police badge, but they will gain a good understanding of law enforcement and university policing. This free series of eight weekly classes begins Sept. 18 and runs through Nov. 13 (no class Nov. 6 due to UK offices being closed and classes not in session for the presidential election).  Each class will meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays in Room 249 of the UK Student Center, with class graduation set for Nov. 20.

The academy is open to anyone inside or outside the university who is 18 years or older with no prior felony convictions.  This includes students, employees and the public.

Registration for the Citizen Police Academy is Sept. 1 through Sept. 18. Enrollment is based on a first come-first served basis. Please go to http://www.uky.edu/Police/citizensacademy.html to find more information about the Citizen Police Academy. Enrollment is also available on the UK Police Facebook site at, www.facebook.com/ukpolicedepartment.  More information can also be obtained by calling (859) 257-8573.

The CPA will include instruction in law, firearms, DUI detection, canine, and self defense, as well as other police related training.  Course material will be presented through lecture, audio-visual aids, and interactive scenarios.

Prospective participants will be expected to complete a course application and submit to an electronic background check.

The mission of the Citizen Police Academy is to foster a more cohesive relationship between law enforcement officers and the campus community. Graduates will be able to share knowledge gained with others in the community, thereby helping others become more familiar with police practices.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Kathy Johhson, (859) 257-3155; kathy.johnson@uky.edu