Class to offer inside look at UK Police Department
September 15, 2013
By Anne Halliwell
Civilians will have the opportunity to learn how police officers handle emergency situations in a class beginning in September.
UK’s Citizen Police Academy is currently accepting registrants for its free seven-class course, which will familiarize participants with the daily duties of UK police officers.
The classes will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and will continue almost weekly through Nov. 12, with a graduation ceremony for members who have attended all of the classes on Nov. 19.
UK Police officer and crime prevention specialist Alan Saylor said that the class serves to make participants more aware of police procedures.
“I think most people don’t know what university police do … this class gives kind of an overall view of who we are as a police department,” Saylor said.
According to the UKPD webpage, the course material will range from subjects like criminal procedure and K-9 operations, to firearms and self-defense.
Instructors will use lectures, audio-visual aids, and interactive equipment and scenarios to teach the class members.
Saylor said the classes are usually capped at around 20-25 people to ensure that everyone has a chance to take part in simulations.
The classes consist of students, faculty and community members.
“The Citizen Police Academy gives an insight and interchange between citizens and police,” Saylor said.
Registration for CPA will remain open until Sept. 24, but entry will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Potential class members can visit www.uky.edu/Police/citizensacademy for more information and to enroll.
Registrants must be at least 18 years old with no prior felony convictions, and are expected to submit to an electronic background check.
