Citizen Classes

Community Services Unit

The Department offers numerous citizen classes services through its Community Services Unit (CSU). To find out which crime prevention officer serves your area, please visit the CSU page.

Firearm Safety Course

The Police Department offers a free Firearm Safety Course to County residents. The course covers basic operation and safety related to firearms. Students will learn the function of various parts of the firearm, safe handling techniques, and how to safely store weapons in the home. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance, free gun lock and firearm’s safety material. 

Citizens Police Academy

The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is a free class offering citizens an opportunity to learn about a wide range of law enforcement topics. Two academies are held each year and classes meet once a week for 14 weeks. The academy is offered to adults (18 years of age or older) who work or live in the County. Lectures focus on topics such as traffic enforcement, budgeting and administration, firearm safety, DUI enforcement, search and seizure and vice offense investigation. Participants are also encouraged to take part in the ride-along program and a Saturday session at the police firing range. 

CPA graduates are invited to become a member of the Volunteers in Police Service and to participate in the Citizens Forensic Academy.

Citizens Forensic Academy

The Citizens Forensic Academy is open only to graduates of the Citizens Police Academy. The Citizens Forensic Academy is a 7-week hands-on forensic training course that will broaden participants’ knowledge of crime scenes and will enhance citizens’ understanding of actual scientific capabilities versus what is portrayed in fiction. By allowing citizens to participate in mock crime scenes, participants gain a much clearer, more realistic view, of the procedures, methods, and obstacles involved in processing crime scenes by law enforcement. This training will take place on Monday nights. 

Rape Aggression Defense (RAD)

RAD is a self-defense course for women. The training focuses on practical, simple techniques that can be readily applied by women when confronted by an attacker. Students receive instruction on such topics as risk reduction strategies, recognizing common indicators that may signal a potential attack, the pros and cons of defensive weaponry items and simple but effective self-defense techniques. RAD is currently being taught at over 400 college campuses nationwide. This free 12-hour course is typically broken down into 4 3-hour sessions over a 2-week period.

Resisting Aggression Defensively (radKIDS®)

radKIDS® is a self-empowering safety program for children ages 5-12 years old. This is a hands-on, activity-based, physical skill development program providing children with the skills they need to recognize, avoid, and if necessary, respond to potential danger. The curriculum includes safety education for home and school, realistic defense against abduction, good-bad-uncomfortable touches, stranger tricks and self-realization of personal power.