February 27, 2015, Canton, MI – The Canton Police Department is planning a new Citizens Police Academy for individuals who are interested in acquiring insight and knowledge on how the police department works to serve the Canton community.
Individuals attending the academy will be educated on the policies and operational procedures of the department through presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Students’ personal knowledge on law enforcement’s role in the criminal justice system will be enhanced, as well as their understanding of the training and education required for police officers to effectively handle the challenges of police work.
“Academy participants will gain insight into the difficult challenges law enforcement personnel face on a daily basis through interesting and informative instruction,” said Canton Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler.
The overall mission of the Citizens Police Academy is to develop positive relationships between citizens and police officers, enhancing cooperation, understanding, and general good will.
“We recognize the value of transparency in police work, and believe in the age-old concept of the police are the public and the public are the police,” said Mutchler.
“The department conducted several well-received Citizen Police Academy classes in the early 1980’s, and we feel the timing was right to reinstate this educational program for a cross-section of citizens of our community,” adds Mutchler.
Canton Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy will be held for six weeks on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m., starting April 23 – May 28, 2015, (with one Saturday morning session on May 23).
Class size is limited for this free program. Applicant requirements include the following:
• Age 21 & over
• Live or work in Canton
• No felony convictions; no misdemeanor convictions in the past 3 years
• Applicants subject to a background check
Applications are available online at www.cantonpublicsafety.org, or in person at the front desk of the Canton Police Department located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road. Applications will be accepted from March 1–15, 2015. Questions can be directed to Staff Operations Sgt. James Harrison, 734/394-5411.
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