By Philip Jankowski
Killeen Daily Herald
Time is running out to register for the Killeen Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy, a comprehensive free course that teaches the inner workings of area police operations.
The deadline to register for classes is 5 p.m. Aug. 12. Registration forms are available at KPD’s headquarters, located at 3304 Community Blvd.
“We teach citizens the operations and functions of the police department,” KPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Tammy Moseley said. “It dispels some misconceptions about how we do things. It also helps citizens to make more informed decisions when it comes to criminal activity.”
The 40-hour course begins Aug. 22. Classes are each Monday at KPD’s headquarters from 7 to 10 p.m. until graduation Nov. 7.
Instructors from every department in KPD teach classes. Students will get the chance to interact with KPD commanders and learn about every facet of the department.
Weekly classes include sessions on traffic laws and citations, internal affairs, the gang unit and animal control.
The main highlight of each term is a Saturday course at KPD’s firing range. Students get to see demonstrations from the SWAT team, hostage negotiations and the K-9 unit. Students will also be allowed to use police weapons in a controlled setting.
During the term, students ride along with an officer. After graduation, students can join the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which meets monthly. Being a member of the alumni association allows former students to volunteer for KPD and schedule further ride-alongs after the course ends.
The course is free. All that is required is to fill out an application. A background check will be performed on all applicants. Persons convicted of a felony are not eligible for the course.
For more information, call Moseley at (254) 501-8805.