The Shelby Township Citizens Police Academy Serves Up Some Justice

Law & Order, COPS, Hawaii Five-0, etc.  Many people are addicted to these police dramas and gain most of their law knowledge from these shows.  But as gripping as these shows are, the is now giving you the opportunity to get some hands-on experience.

The police department is now accepting applications for the Citizens Police Academy, a program that gives Shelby Township residents and business owners the opportunity to see how the department serves the community and how the officers perform their duties. 

The academy is offered twice a year in the spring and fall.  The 2011 fall session will be a six-week program that begins on Oct. 12.  Each class will be once a week for 2.5 hours and will cover topics such as narcotics/vice investigations, K-9, criminal investigations, alcohol enforcement, family abuse/juvenile procedures, emergency response, and neighborhood watch programs.

All classes will be taught by certified police officers and supervisors with a new class being offered this session, conducted by Judge Shepherd from 41A District Court.  One of the sessions will also be conducted by a Macomb County assistant prosecutor.

While any interested residents—and especially those involved in the community—are encouraged to apply, there are several restrictions concerning age and criminal convictions to those that can apply.  Applications will be accepted until Sept. 23.

The academy program is limited to 60 participants per session and there is no cost to attend.