There is still time to apply for the spring Citizens Police Academy with the Battle Creek Police Department.
Neighbors in Battle Creek and Bedford Township who want to learn more about their police department, and the policing challenges in the community are invited to sign up.
The goal of the academy is to develop a positive relationship between the police department and community through education that addresses misconceptions about police. Staff hope to send a number of well-informed citizens back to the community to share what they learn.
This also is an opportunity for neighbors to offer comments and ideas about policing solutions in the community.
Participants must live in the City of Battle Creek or Bedford Township or be a business owner in these areas, and be at least 18 years old. The academy is 10 weeks, from March 6 to May 15, with classes from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, and two Saturday classes, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 13 and May 11.
Participants will learn about a variety of BCPD units and issues, including the hiring process, community engagement, defensive tactics, accident reconstruction, the Bomb Squad, Internal Affairs, the Crime Lab, and more.
There are 25 spots available in this academy, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 1. The Chief of Police will choose the participants. There is no cost to participate.
Apply online at the city’s website, battlecreekmi.gov/citizenspoliceacademy. For additional information, visit the police web page, battlecreekmi.gov/police, and navigate to Overview – Citizens Police Academy.
For more information, contact Jenny Mualhlun at 269-966-1678 or jlmualhlun@battlecreekmi.gov.