Jon Johnson File Photo/Gila Herald: The SPD will host a Citizen Police Academy every Thursday night from Sept. 21 – Nov. 9. Register now if interested.
By Jon Johnson
SAFFORD – Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer? Are you interested in learning about investigations or want to try your hand at a firearms training simulator?
Then joining the Safford Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy could be for you. The academy runs Thursday nights from Sept. 21 – Nov. 9, and those registered are expected to attend each class.
Seating is limited. Those interested in applying for a spot can do so by clicking here or stopping by the Safford Police Department in person at 525 S. 10th Ave., Monday – Thursday from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. The registration deadline is Sept. 17. Those interested must be at least 18 with no prior felony convictions and be able to pass a background check.
“Holding the citizen academy gives us as a department an opportunity to let members of the public get a glimpse of what we see and deal with daily,” said Safford Police Captain Tyler Cluff. “Our goal is to provide basic knowledge and understanding of what our role is in community policing and also to show the need for public involvement and trust to be successful.”
Topics discussed during the academy will include a basic introduction to law enforcement, how body-worn cameras are utilized, narcotics and drug interdiction, firearm safety, traffic and DUI investigations, criminal investigations, and TASER and use of force.
There will also be a live firearm shoot and academy attendees will also use a firearms training simulator. Captain Cluff said he looks forward to taking the attendees through the paces.
“I have always loved my job as a police officer and getting to share that and educate in any area is something myself and other officers look forward to,” he said. “Being a firearms instructor, I am looking forward to providing insight into police use of force and utilizing the firearms training system to give people a feel of what it is like in the moment during a critical incident.”
For more information regarding the Citizen Police Academy click here or click here to apply for enrollment. Applicants who will not be considered include anyone with a pending law enforcement application, those with a criminal history, anyone with an active warrant for their arrest, and those who are the subject of a protective order.
