Citizens Police Academy seeks applicants

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a Yuma police officer looks like? The Yuma Police Department is giving citizens a 12-week closeup.

The department is now accepting applications for its 2020 Citizens Police Academy, which is designed for the community to learn about the day-to-day operations of Yuma officers.

The course shows participants how things work at the police department and gives hands-on instruction on topics like traffic laws, firearms training, crime scene processing, narcotics and K9 demonstration. Participants will also get a tour of the police department and go on a ride-along with an officer.

There will be two separate academies, one beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and the other on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The classes be held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the department’s Public Safety Training Facility at 1500 S. 1st Avenue. On some occasions, the classes will run until 10 p.m.

There is no fee to participate in the Citizens Police Academy, though participants are required to attend at least nine classes, engage in all “hands-on” exercises and complete a ride-along with an officer to successfully complete the course and be part of the graduation ceremony in March.

Applicants must be 21 or older and pass a background check. Applications can be picked up at the Yuma Police Department records window at 1500 S. 1st Avenue or requested via email. The application deadline is Nov. 15, or until the academy’s 28 spots are filled.

Any questions can be directed to Sergeant Lori Franklin at (928) 373-4732 or Lori.Franklin@yumaaz. gov; Officer Janet Sanchez at (928) 373-4746 or Janet.Sanchez@yumaaz.gov; or Public Safety Technician Edith Ruiz at (928) 373-4731 or Edith.Ruiz@yumaaz.gov.