Citizen Police Academy Class to Start Sept. 4

August 20, 2008 05:28 pm

— San Marcos residents are invited to sign up for the Citizens Police Academy, a free 12-week course exploring the responsibilities and operations of the San Marcos Police Department.
The San Marcos Police Department will start Class # 24 on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. More than 325 residents have taken the course since the program began in 1998.
Interested citizens may request an application from the Police Department, 2300 IH-35 South. For more information, contact the Officer Danny Arredondo at the Crime Prevention Office at 754-2270 or email him
at darredondo@ci.san-marcos.tx.us . Applications are also available on the city's web site at
www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/departments/police/cpa.htm
Classes are held for three hours on Thursdays at the San Marcos Police Department, 2300 I 35 South, with two optional "hands on" Saturday events.
Participants will learn about the duties and skills police officers must master to perform their jobs. Topics include patrol tactics, criminal and narcotics investigations, use of force, communications, officer training, DWI procedures, family violence and juvenile law.
The academy allows citizens served by the department to explore the values, philosophy, and operations of the San Marcos Police Department.
In turn, the Police Department's employees become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through input from the students.
The course is free to anyone who lives or works in the city of San Marcos. Participants must be at least 18 years of age.
Following graduation, participants are invited to join the CPA Alumni Association, a volunteer organization that continues to support and
assist the San Marcos Police Department with a variety of special projects.