Wheeling Police Department Takes Applications for Citizens Police Academy
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WHEELING -- Residents have an opportunity to learn about local law enforcement through a Wheeling Police Department class this spring.
The department is now accepting applications for its Citizens Police Academy class, a 12-week program that starts March 7.
The academy is intended to foster relationships between the Wheeling police and residents and to provide a working knowledge of the policies and limitations of the department. Classes will be held 6-9 p.m. Thursdays and there is no cost.
"Part of our mission is to build partnerships that are going to build a safe community," Sgt. Josh Sanders said. "What better way to meet those goals than to work with the community and help them get to know us?"
This spring's class marks the 14th one since the program began in 2010. The class is designed to increase residents' confidence in the department by offering an insider's perspective, Sanders said.
Another one of the program's goals is to help people understand the limitations of the department, he said, which people often don't comprehend.
"They should get to know what we can and can't do," Sanders said. "Our goal is to educate the community so they can understand why we are or aren't doing something a certain way."
In the class, students will learn from local professionals in the criminal justice field such as police officers, judges, attorneys and victims' advocates. Students will also visit the Northern Regional Jail and police firearms range and participate in a police ride-along.
Sanders said anyone who is interested in broadening their knowledge about law enforcement should apply.
"They should get to know the officers that are working in our community," he said.
After graduating from the academy, participants can join the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, a nonprofit group that supports the efforts of WPD and the academy. The group has more than 175 members and meets monthly, according to the department's website.
"We try to work with that association as much as we can through further training and experience," Sanders said.
Applicants must be above the age of 18, of good moral character and pass a background check, according to a press release from WPD. Those interested can obtain applications at wheeling.gov/cpa or at the front desk of the department, 1500 Chapline St. The deadline to apply is Feb. 21.