Residents of La Plata County are encouraged to apply for the citizens’ police academy, a 12-week program giving community members a firsthand look into the workings of the department and officers’ roles in keeping the city safe. It will be held from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 4 to May 20, at Durango Police Department, 990 East Second Ave.
The academy increases citizens’ understanding of police work and law enforcement’s role in the criminal justice system. Durango Police Officers, civilian employees and community partners teach sessions on a variety of topics, including traffic problems, domestic violence, gangs, tactical response and investigations.
Students will have the opportunity to ride along in a patrol car, spend time in the Central Communications Center and participate in an unarmed self-defense training session.
Apply online at www.DurangoGov.org/CitizensAcademy or at the department, East Second Ave.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Bartley at 375-4701 or Sergeant Tim Dixon at 375-4746.
