Winston-Salem Police Department
2009 Fall Citizens' Police Academy
Corporal David N. McCracken, Coordinator
Phone: (336)773-7788
Email: dmccracken@wspd.org
When: Classes meet Tuesday nights from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., for 12 weeks beginning September 1, 2009 and ending November 17, 2009.
Where: Public Safety Center, 725 N. Cherry St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Requirements
- FREE of charge
- Open to applicants at least 18 years of age.
- Must reside, work, or attend school in Forsyth County.
- Be able to make a commitment to the 12-week course. Those who attend at least 10 of the 12 sessions will be awarded a certificate of completion.
- A criminal history check will be conducted on each applicant. Applicants with felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions within past year, or a history of suspected criminal activity, arrests or convictions will not be considered.
- Accepted applicants are expected to wear appropriate casual attire to academy events, and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
- Accepted applicants will be issued identification badges that must be worn during all academy activities.
- Application review and acceptance may take several weeks. Deadline for application return is August 12, 2009.
Benefits
Citizen education is the most effective means for law enforcement to gain the support from the community. The Citizens' Police Academy offers citizens insights into how police officers perform their duties and how the department as a whole serves the community. The overall goal of the Academy is to improve police and community interaction. For this reason, the Winston-Salem Police Department has sponsored a Citizens' Police Academy since the fall of 2000.
Mission
The ultimate goal of the Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) is to educate the citizens of Winston-Salem about the operation of their police department while obtaining valuable feedback from those citizens.
Curriculum
Sessions include instruction in:
- Violent Crimes Task Force
- Police Communications and Technical Services
- Constitutional Law
- Canine Operations
- Subject Control/Use of Force
- Crime Prevention
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Crime Analysis
- Records Management
- Patrol Ride-a-Long
- Professional Standards
- Recruiting/Training
- Criminal Investigation
- Vice & Narcotics
- Juvenile Law
- Evidence Management
- Special Enforcement Team Demonstration
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the academy?
A: Participants will gain knowledge of the training received by the officers of the Winston-Salem Police Department, and a better understanding of the policies and procedures that govern their actions. Also the Department will gain a better perspective of the issues that are important to the citizens.
| The academy is not designed to train participants to become police officers. If you are interested in a career as a police officer, please contact our Recruiting Unit. |
Q: Is there a charge for this program?
A: No
Q: What are the requirements for attending the Citizens' Police Academy?
A: There are 3 basic requirements:
- Must live, work, or attend school in Forsyth County.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must not have any felony convictions, any misdemeanor convictions within past year, or a history of suspected criminal activity, arrests or convictions. A background check will be conducted on all applicants.
Q: What is included in the background check?
A: A national and local criminal history check will be performed, along with a check of driving records. Some driving violations will not exclude an individual from attending the CPA, but other violations may.
Q: How often is the CPA offered?
A: The sessions are offered two times a year...one in the spring of the year and one in the fall. When dates have been set for next CPA, announcements will go out to the media, and on the WSPD website.
Q: How do I apply for the CPA?
A: Submit an online application or call Cpl. David N. McCracken at (336)773-7788 for more information and applications.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Information will be provided to all accepted participants showing where to park for the evening classes.
Q: Do I have to be in good physical shape?
(Are there weight or height requirements? Do I have to run or jump, etc.?)
A: No, there are no physical requirements and participants will not engage in any physical activities.
Q: Who teaches the classes?
A: Police department instructors, both sworn and civilian will instruct the Academy.
Q: What type of a grade must I maintain? Is there any homework?
A: No grades will be kept. No homework will be assigned.
Q: Will I be dropped from the class if I have to miss some classes?
A: Attendees are expected to attend a minimum of 10 of the 12 sessions. You will not be dropped from the academy if you miss more than 2 sessions, however you will not receive a certificate of completion, nor will you receive maximum benefit from the academy.
Q: Is it possible to ride along with an officer during their shift?
A: Yes, attendees will have an opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer. |