Citizens Police Academy
The Stephenville Police Department Citizen Police Academy is a 30-hour block (10 Weeks) of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Stephenville Police Department's personnel and policies. It consists of a series of classes, held every Thursday night from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The instruction is comprehensive, covering a different area of the police department each week. Officers, supervisors and personnel assigned to that particular division conduct each instructional block.
Purpose
The Stephenville CPA was created in order to provide enough information to the citizens that attend so that they may make informed judgments about the Stephenville Police Department and police activity. It is further hoped that the instruction will increase police awareness whereas to dispel suspicions, misconceptions and, to increase police community relationships through this educative process. The Department, in turn, becomes more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants’ interaction and input. It is, indeed, a two-way learning experience and a vital part of the departments goal of building community partnerships.
Topics
The Stephenville Citizen Police Academy covers such diverse topics as training, communications, criminal investigations, DWI procedures, crime prevention, family violence, juvenile law, and the special response team. Emphasis is placed on the patrol division as that is the segment of the police department the public most often comes into contact with. Instruction in these and other topics will consist of lectures, demonstrations, tours, and hands-on experiences.
Eligibility
The class is made up of a cross section of the Stephenville community. Doctors, architects, professionals, laborers, students, secretaries, salespersons, retirees and others are encouraged to apply for admission. The academy is held once a year in the Fall. The minimum age for enrollment is 21 and you must live or work or in the City of Stephenville.
Applying
We hope to hold the next Citizen's Police Academy in the Fall of 2023.
If you are interested in applying for admission to the Stephenville Police Department Citizens Police Academy, you may fill out an application with the Stephenville Police Department at 356 North Belknap between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or download the application and e-mail it to ogaitan@stephenvilletx.gov . Class size is limited and participants will be selected on a first come first serve basis. For further information, call (254) 918-1284.
