SPD to host Citizens Police Academy
BY MARY RUMORE life@starkvilledailynews.com
Registration for Starkville Police Department's third annual Citizens Police Academy will end on May 28.
The Citizens Police Academy classes will begin at 6 p.m. June 7, consisting of 10 class meetings lasting around two hours each, and one four-hour session on Saturday.
SPD Public Information Officer Brandon Lovelady said participants will be able to learn about all the specialized areas of SPD, including patrol, investigations, community oriented policing, narcotics/vice, DUI enforcement, D.A.R.E. and S.W.A.T., in classroom and hands-on settings.
“The bottom line is for citizens to understand why we do things the way that we do,” Lovelady said. “That's the goal of the course.”
Lovelady said the course also offers multiple opportunities for questions and answers between citizens and the department, along with weapons demonstrations, shooting lessons, “shoot or don't shoot” demonstrations and other hands-on presentations.
The Citizens Police Academy costs $50 to register, which includes classroom materials, a shirt and class graduation.
After completing the course, participants get to take part in a graduation ceremony and receive certificates.
SPD Chief Frank Nichols said the Citizens Police Academy is another way to strengthen the relationship between Starkville residents and SPD.
“The Starkville Police Department and the community are a team,” Nichols said. “The Citizens Police Academy provides another avenue for us to learn from each other, to strengthen bonds and better our community.”
The course is open to individuals over the age of 21, and attendees must be able to pass a background check and not be exempt from possessing a firearm.
Application packages for the Citizens Police Academy may be obtained by contacting Corporal Josh Wilson by email at j.wilson@cityofstarkville. org with “CA Application Package” as the subject. Messages can also be left at (662) 323-4131.