Most of the news media and articles about our Akron Police Department seem to revolve around use of force issues; were they justified, were de-escalation tactics utilized, Officer suspensions, lawsuits and more. We rarely hear what they do right every day to keep us safe, and most of us have no idea of the situations and snap decisions they face or the training they go through to make them. Well here’s your chance to learn firsthand with the upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy that begins on Thursday, October 1st but you’ll need to apply by this Friday, September 18.
The Akron Police Citizen’s Police Academy is an eight week program to educate citizens on the Akron Police Department. The course is interactive and will include hands-on training and scenarios that re-create situation. Akron officers could find themselves in at any time.
Presentations include:
Akron police department, organizational structure and history
Taser/body worn cameras/police equipment
Drone unit and how they’re used
Use of force/de-escalation
Citizencomplaints/use of force investigations
Firearm simulator scenarios
Alice ( active shooter) training
Criticle first aid
SWAT/K-9/narcotics
Crimes against persons unit/crime scene unit
Body worn and flock cameras
Akron Citizen’s Police Academy participants must be residents or employed within Akron, and be at least 21 years of age. You will be asked to pass a limited criminal history check and you should attend all eight sessions. You’ll also be asked to do a ride along with police and you must complete and submit a written application form by September 18th.
The program consist of eight weekly sessions held on Thursday night from 5:30 -9:30Pm at the 217 South High St. and at the police training 800 Dan 44310. Pizza and snacks will be served at every 5:30 session. Class size is limited to 24 participants.
I plan on stopping in a couple of these sessions myself as I am unable to commit to all eight due to meetings in various neighborhoods. I do hope some of you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about how our Akron Police Department operates.
Click here for an application:
de-escalation involved and we rarely hear about what our officers