Liz Shepard, Ark City, examines a footwear impression during the CSI portion of the 2019 citizens academy. (Photo courtesy WPD)
After a one-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Winfield Police Department and Cowley County Sheriff’s Office are once again hosting their adult citizens academy, set to start September 9.
According to a news release from the WPD, the 13th annual academy will educate citizens about the police department and sheriff’s office organizations, operations, and roles in the communities they serve.
Participants gain an understanding of law enforcement responsibilities, as well as the laws that govern them. The academy provides a hands-on opportunity to educate citizens on the operations of law enforcement while obtaining valuable feedback to enhance police relations with the community.
Involvement in the citizens academy requires a commitment of three hours, one night a week, for twelve weeks. The training includes classroom courses in traffic enforcement, crime scene investigation, S.W.A.T., drug investigations, death investigations, as well as many other topics, ride-alongs, and hands-on experiences.
Classes are held every Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Classes will not be held on Thanksgiving.
Instructors for the program consist of officers and staff of the Winfield Police Department, Cowley County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Blue Line Tracking, LLC. There is no cost to attend the citizens academy. Participation is open to anyone 18 years of age or older that lives in Cowley County, and is free of felony convictions.
Any resident interested in learning more about law enforcement is encouraged to apply for the upcoming academy.
Applications for the citizens academy are available at the police department, 812 Millington St., or the sheriff’s office, 911 Fuller St. Applications may also be downloaded from the City of Winfield’s website at www.winfieldks.org. Applications are due by Friday, August 27. Class size is limited, so those interested are encouraged to apply quickly.
If you have questions or would like more information on the citizens academy, please contact Tyler Gaskill of the Winfield Police Department by email at tgaskill@winfieldks.org, by phone at (620)221-5545, or through the Winfield Police Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/WinfieldPolice.
