For the past five years, the Springfield Police Department has opened its doors to citizens curious about how law enforcement functions.
After years without the program, the Citizen’s Police Academy was re-introduced in 2011 to better understand what SPD officers go through on a daily basis.
Each summer, no more than 25 individuals are selected to participate in the 11-week course. To be eligible to apply, a person must be a citizen of the area, 18 years or older, no felonies, and pass a background check. Applications are due July 1.
“It’s very interactive. They do a lot of hands on stuff but, they get to learn kind of all the ins and outs of the department and how our agency functions,” SPD public affairs officer, Lisa Cox states.
According to Cox, classes are held for one night a week for a three-hour period.
The group will learn how a crime scene is processed, narcotics and gang investigation, traffic and DWI enforcement, defensive tactics, and the use of firearms. Plus, participants will take fieldtrips throughout the course.
“They’re always very engaged and they usually leave with a much higher understanding of the police force and how it works,” Cox says.
According to Cox, after the program, some citizens volunteer in some way to help the SPD.
Citizens Policy Academy graduates have also developed the Springfield Police Foundation to raise money and help cover expenses that the SPD budget cannot.
“We see a lot of times that they are really the advocates for the program down the road,” Cox adds.
Cox adds that students from past years are encouraging family and friends to participate in the program. For more information about the program visit here or call 417-864-135.