For Immediate Release

News Release
Richmond Police Recruiting for Citizen Academy

Sept. 16, 2009
If you have ever wondered what it takes to become a Richmond Police officer or how the Richmond Police Department operates, now is your chance to find out.

Richmond Police will offer an eight-week Citizen Police Academy for those interested in learning about the Richmond Police Department’s personnel, goals, community policing strategies and law enforcement-related topics.

There will be seven, two-hour classes held every Thursday, beginning Oct. 1 through Nov. 19. Classes will be held 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Richmond Police Training Academy, 1202 W. Graham Road. The academy concludes the eighth week with a graduation ceremony.

The Citizen Police Academy instruction will cover different areas of the Department provided by expert guest instructors from area law enforcement agencies as well as certified police officers. The courses are diverse and range from the Department’s organizational structure to forensics, criminal investigation, narcotics and firearms.

Anyone who lives or works in Richmond can attend the academy. You must be at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. Misdemeanor convictions will be reviewed and considered by Chief Bryan T. Norwood. The deadline to register for the academy is Tuesday, Sept. 29. Space is limited.

“The best way our citizens can help us help them is for them to learn what we do, how we do it and why we do it,” Chief Norwood said. “That’s the purpose of the citizen academy.”

Persons interested in registering may contact Citizen Police Academy Coordinator GiTonya L. Parker at 646-7648.