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Citizens' Police Academy
The Citizens' Academy is an eleven week program designed to provide Gaston County residents, in an academy setting, first-hand information about how their Police Department works. Participation in the Academy requires a commitment of one night a week for eleven weeks. Classes are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:45pm. The instruction is at the Gaston County Police Department, 420 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, unless otherwise specified.
What subjects are included?
The sessions begin with the presentation of the Department's philosophy toward Community Oriented Policing. Following sessions will include classes on Communications, Community Policing, Property & Evidence, Patrol Procedures, Juvenile Unit, Repeat Offenders, Criminal Investigations, School Resource Officers, D.A.R.E., Records, Criminal Law, Accreditation, Training & Employee Development, Crime Analysis, Special Investigations, Crime Scene, Hazardous Devices, Victim Assistance, E.R.T. & K-9, Animal Control, and Environmental Crimes. Also, at some point beyond the eighth session, members may, if they choose to do so, ride in a patrol car for one shift to see first-hand what officers see and hear, and what they are trained to do under a variety of circumstances.
Throughout, participants are encouraged to ask questions and discuss topics with Department Personnel.
What is the purpose of the Academy?
The Academy is designed to increase understanding between citizens and the police through education. Our intent is to acquaint citizens with law enforcement's role in the criminal justice system, and provide increased understanding of the tasks police officers face in their daily work. With better understanding, it becomes easier for police and citizens to find realistic solutions to neighborhood problems.
Who teaches the Academy Sessions?
The instructors are officers and personnel from the Department who teach in their own areas of expertise. Each has years of training and experience in the subject. The officers also bring street experience into the classroom.
How are participants selected?
The Department attempts to reflect the broadest possible range within our community; this includes young and old, men and women, and representatives of special ethnic, cultural and civic groups.
How to apply...
Sessions of the Citizens' Police Academy begin in the spring and fall. Click here to complete an online application. You will be notified if you are selected for the next session. There is no fee for the Academy. A separate Citizens' Police Academy is held during the summer for Youths Ages 12-15. To apply for the Citizen's Police Academy for Youth, click here.
Community Oriented Policing
The Gaston County Police Department's philosophy of community oriented policing seeks to create a partnership with our citizens. This philosophy encourages citizens to develop a sense of cooperation with police in our common goal of providing a safe and secure community for all our citizens.
The Citizens' Academy is one of several programs that have been developed from the community oriented policing philosophy. We encourage you to explore some of these programs and become a partner with your police in keeping Gaston County the unique and safe place it is, and can continue to be.
Citizens' Police Academy
Alumni Association
The Alumni Association began in 1996. This group meets monthly and its membership continues to grow. Members of the Association provide a ready pool of volunteers to assist with a variety of departmental functions, including Crime Stoppers, assistance in the Records Section, catering for the Citizen's Police Academy graduations, and manning information booths at various events. A monthly newsletter (The Informer) is also published by this Association. This newsletter is then distributed to all C.P.A. graduates to keep them informed of upcoming events and departmental news. They have become a vital resource for this Department.
For more information, contact Sgt. Charles McCants at 704-866-3320.
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