CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS: Police Department Invites Community To Participate In Citizen Academy

By Press release submission

Aug 23, 2020

City of Grand Rapids issued the following announcement on Aug. 18.

The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) is inviting community members to learn more about its operations and the role policing has in strengthening our city by enrolling in the 24th Citizen Police Academy. The nine-week program — part of GRPD’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships with the community — will be held Wednesdays from 6:30 to 10 p.m. starting Sept. 23.

The free academy includes presentations, demonstrations and hands-on participation. Participants will be introduced to and gain knowledge of the following topics:

Arrest procedures
Crime analysis
Criminal forensics
Criminal investigations
Community policing
Patrol operations
Search and seizure
Traffic stops
Use of force

Additionally, participants will get a first-hand look at the department’s canine program, bomb team, vice unit and special response team. They also will have an opportunity to ride with a police officer for one shift.

Applicants must live or work in the city of Grand Rapids, be at least 21 years old, have no felony convictions and have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years. This program is not intended as an entrance into the profession of law enforcement.

Community members may apply for the Citizen Police Academy by clicking HERE. The application deadline is Sept. 7.

Police Chief Eric Payne said the Citizen Police Academy is an important part of the department’s strategic plan and a key component of its commitment to enhancing community engagement.

"Through equitable involvement, we can better educate the community as a whole on what we do and how we do it,” Payne said. “This is just one program we hope to use to increase transparency and trust in our department. For their part, we hope participants will engage in the academy with an open mind and see this as an opportunity to provide feedback to our department."

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the academy will follow recommended health guidelines, including the use of face coverings and physical distancing.

For more information about the Citizen Police Academy, contact Sgt. Patrick Baker at pbaker@grcity.us or 616.456.3308 or Captain Mark Ostapowicz at maostapo@grcity.us or 616.456.4485.

Original source can be found here.