Understanding UKPD Through Citizens Police Academy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 10, 2018) — According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, traffic stops account for over 40 percent of interactions with law enforcement. These brief encounters often paint a negative perception of law enforcement, especially for those with disproportionately high traffic stops or searches.

In an effort to help bridge the gap between perception and understanding, University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD) invites all members of the community to attend the fall session of Citizens Police Academy (CPA).

“The purpose of CPA is to foster understanding, rebuild trust, help transform the culture of policing and ultimately strengthen the partnership between police and the community,” UK Police Chief Joe Monroe said.

Every week, for a total of 10 weeks, a different aspect of law enforcement will be featured ranging from traffic stops to K-9 operations. CPA classes will run 6-8 p.m. every Thursday, Sept. 13-Nov. 15. Participants will get to “ride along” with an officer and upon completion, will receive a CPA lapel pin and certificate and take part in a formal graduation ceremony.

University of Kentucky Police Department is in its 11th year of offering Citizens Police Academy. Classes are offered twice a year, and well over 200 people have taken CPA to date.

Last year, former CPA members created a Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA). They have been instrumental in demonstrating appreciation for the services law enforcement agencies provide and have worked to improve morale at UKPD.

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. Prospective participants must complete a course application and satisfactorily pass 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/citizens-police-academy-1 and click the link under “Registration” near the bottom of the page.

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