As a way for the public to experience and understand the operations of the local police force, the Zionsville Police Dept. is introducing a Citizens Academy, which begins Sept. 26.
The eight-week course is free to anyone age 18 and older and will introduce the public to different aspects of the police department each week. Topics include crime scene investigation, forensic lab overview, the K-9 unit and traffic enforcement.
ZPD Sgt. Adrian Martin said he met with other police departments, including Carmel and Fishers, which offer similar programs, before developing the inaugural Citizens Academy that would be unique to Zionsville.
Compared to programs offered by other cities and towns, the ZPD demonstrations will be “more tactile, more hands-on, more practical,” Martin said.
“We hope after eight weeks it will give (participants) a well-rounded experience,” Martin said.
The goal of the academy is to educate and communicate with citizens in the community to develop an appreciation for what ZPD does on a daily basis. It’s possible graduates can become resources for public information or community outreach.
“We are looking for working adults who are out in the field who genuinely will have an interest in law enforcement but just maybe don’t have the time to commit themselves to a reserve program or a career in law enforcement but want to be educated and experienced,” Martin said.
Citizens Academy is a companion program to the Teen Academy and the new Explorers Program for young adults.
Registration for the program has been extended to Sept. 22 and can be made online at http://bcait.ly/ZPDCitizens.
