Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Citizens Police Academy set to begin in Canton

Canton Township residents can get a first-hand look at law enforcement procedures during the popular Citizens Police Academy.
The Canton Public Safety Department will be accepting applications for the eight-week program during the month of February. This year, the program will take place from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, beginning April 23.
The program is designed for residents interested in acquiring insight and knowledge about how the police department works to serve the Canton community. Individuals attending the academy will be educated on the policies and operational procedures of the department through presentations, demonstrations and hands-on activities.
They will increase their personal knowledge about the role of law enforcement in the criminal justice system, as well as their understanding of the training and education required for police officers to effectively handle the challenges of police work.
“Academy participants will gain insight into the difficult challenges law enforcement personnel face on a daily basis through interesting and informative instruction,” said Canton Public Safety Director Joshua Meier.
The overall mission of the Citizens Police Academy is to develop positive relationships between citizens and police officers, enhancing cooperation, understanding, and general good will, he added.
“Once again this year we will be including a mini-Citizens Fire Academy into the program,” said Meier. “Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy two sessions of the cross-over academy, learning about the daily operations of our fire department,” Meier added. Class size is limited to 30 Canton residents who are 21 or older and have no felony convictions and mo misdemeanor convictions in the past three years.
Applicants will be randomly selected from qualified applicants and will be subject to a background check.
Applications will be accepted through Feb. 29 online at www.cantonpublicsafety.org, or in person at the front desk of the Canton Public Safety Headquarters located at 1150 S. Canton Center Road. Questions can be directed to Community Relations Ofc. Patty Esselink at (734) 394-5194.