“It’s fun, it’s eye-opening, and you learn a lot.”
This is how one local resident described their experience after completing the Bartlesville Citizens Police Academy — a 12-week comprehensive course that allows citizens to become familiar with the operations of law enforcement through classroom and hands-on instruction in all aspects of the Police Department.
Bartlesville Police Department’s next CPA starts March 2. Classes are held 6-9 p.m. every Thursday. (There will be no class on March 16, during the week of Spring Break.)
Enrollment for the academy will be accepted until Jan. 31.
“Anyone who is interested in attending this academy should sign up as soon as possible,” said Police Chief Tracy Roles. “We are limiting the class to 20 people, and it will fill up fast.”
Goals of the program include:
- To encourage attendance at and help provide funds for the Bartlesville Citizen’s Police Academy
- To enhance the relationship between our community and the Police Department
- To provide community support to the department
- To develop a trust between citizens and police
Participants must be at least 18, live or work in the Bartlesville/Dewey area, and must pass a background check to the satisfaction of Police Department administration.
Citizens Police Academy application forms are available online or at the Police Department, 615 S. Johnstone Ave. Applications may be emailed to Capt. Troy Newell at tmnewell@cityofbartlesville.org, dropped off at the police administration window, or faxed to 918.338.4033, attn. Capt. Newell.
“The Bartlesville Police Department is committed to reaching out and developing working partnerships with citizens, businesses and community organizations,” Roles said. “The Citizens Police Academy is a method of educating the public on what police officers do and why they do it. It also helps to break down barriers to communication and develops trust between citizens and the police.”
For more information, see www.cityofbartlesville.org.