The Citizen Police Academy

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, May, 2000 by Giant Abutalebi Aryani, Terry D. Garrett, Carl L. Alsabrook

Success Through Community Partnerships

Through Citizen Police Academies (CPA), police officers can maintain this relationship with the public by involving citizens in crime prevention efforts. CPAs provide the public with a working knowledge of their law enforcement agency's mission, operation, policies, and personnel. They also create mutual trust and cooperation between the police and residents. An increasing number of law enforcement agencies have realized the enormous benefits of CPAs to their communities and have incorporated them into their community-oriented policing strategies. Further, the President has committed approximately $1.3 billion for a new 21st Century Policing Initiative that includes funding for community-based partnerships, such as CPAs. Law enforcement agencies can obtain information regarding CPAs from a variety of sources. [2] However, establishing a successful CPA remains a substantial task.

HISTORY OF THE CPA

The concept of a CPA evolved from efforts of the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in Great Britain to acquaint citizens with local law enforcement and its organizational structure. "Police Night School," which began in 1977, met once a week for 10 weeks. The classes quickly revealed that most citizens knew little about the operations and organizational structures of law enforcement agencies. [3]

In 1985, the Orlando, Florida, Police Department became the first law enforcement agency in the United States to organize a CPA. [4] Classes met one night each week for 10 weeks. Participants discussed local police organizational structure, and citizens received a hands-on look at law enforcement operations. [5] Due to the overwhelming success of the program, the CPA concept spread throughout the nation.

The Missouri City, Texas, Police Department brought the CPA concept to Texas in 1986, eventually extending it to an 11-week course format. [6] The Rockwall, Texas, Police Department adopted the concept in 1987. Initially designed as a 5-week course, due to its success, this program expanded to 12 weeks. The success of the initial CPA classes in Rockwall resulted in the CPA Alumni Association and the Citizens On Patrol programs, which provide continued training in emergency services.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

CPAs represent a shortened version of law enforcement academies. Like the police academy, success of the CPA depends on the administrative support, the strength of the curriculum and staff members, and the selection of students.

Administrative Support

Members of a law enforcement agency seeking to initiate a successful CPA program must obtain the support of their administration. [7] Law enforcement administrators should actively participate in their agency's program. [8] The agency member proposing the implementation of a CPA should present the program's concept to the chief and the command staff. Ideally, that member also should provide administrators with information about programs from other agencies. When a department implements a CPA, the chief and the administrative staff should stay involved in the program, and agencies should keep them informed of CPA activities and progress.

Further, CPAs need support from the community. [9] Through contacts with citizens, police officers can provide residents' feedback about the CPA to the agency's administration.

Strength of the Curriculum

CPA programs should cover diverse police topics, and agencies should provide a basic overview of each subject. Course topics should present information appropriate to the particular community. For example, curriculums can include such topics as professional standards, legal issues, and information regarding patrol procedures and radar operations. In conjunction with lectures, instructors should use demonstrations, facility tours, and hands-on activities (e.g., role-plays, ride-alongs) when possible--as well as additional aids, such as videos, slides, audio cassettes, overheads, and posters. [10]

Instructors should develop lesson plans based on the overall CPA curriculum and share experiences with citizen-students. Additionally, instructors should allow time for an interactive learning environment based on citizen-student questions. They should emphasize the patrol division--considered the backbone of most law enforcement agencies-because officers in this division have the most contact with community residents. Additionally, this emphasis helps to ensure continued citizen interest.

Strength of the Staff

Proper selection of a CPA program coordinator and instructors helps ensure agency acceptance and community support. After deciding to implement a CPA, the agency administrator should appoint a coordinator who maintains direct contact with residents and represents the department.

Generally, a senior police officer serves as the coordinator. This officer has established a good rapport with the public and fellow officers and has experience in media relations. [11] Coordinators must have the authority to effectively operate the program, recruit or assign instructors, and make decisions as to curriculum and scheduling. Another responsibility includes selecting a suitable location for the class--such as a school, civic center, department training facility, or academy. The size of the location--neither too big or too small--and its convenience to the community and officers should accommodate students, staff, and activities.