Community Police Academy Accepting Applications
Oct 16, 2014 04:23PM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Curious about the work that our police department does? The Manhattan Beach Police Department is currently accepting applications for its Community Police Academy, a ten-week program designed to educate residents and community members on the various aspects of law enforcement.
The police academy is for those interested in learning more about how MBPD functions and operates, and to dispel misconceptions about police duties. The goal of the program is to open the lines of communication and encourage interaction between local police officers and the community. Although the academy is not intended to train participants to be public safety officers, its graduates will acquire a solid foundation of the work of the police department, as well as public safety information to share with others in the community.
According to Officer Stephanie Martin, the group's coordinator, the academy draws a range of interested citizens, from high school seniors, to working professionals, to retired community members. "Some people are doing it just to be more aware and educated, some people are doing it as a way to get more involved," said Martin, noting that the academy is a prerequisite for volunteer work with the police department.
"The police academy was one of the best programs I've ever attended," said Liz Spear, DigMB.com editor who attended the 2012 class when she was editor of Manhattan Beach Patch. "As a journalist, I wanted to know more about police work and the intricacies that can dictate what the police say, don't say, do and don't do.
"As a Manhattan Beach resident, I found our city's academy to be of superior quality. And the experience was one in which I learned a tremendous amount about what police go through. The ride-along I got to do as part of our coursework was very revealing. To see police in action, from their view, seeing what they see, was invaluable."
The academy, now in 10th year, will accept a total of 20 applicants. The first session will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2015, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the MBPD Community Room. Classes will continue weekly and will culminate on March 12th with a graduation ceremony.
To be considered for participation in the next academy, please complete the Community Police Academy Application (PDF) and return to:
Manhattan Beach Police Department
Attn: Community Affairs Office
420 15th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Applications will be reviewed to determine suitability for the program and applicants must meet the following criteria: be at least 18 years old, reside/work within the City of Manhattan Beach, not have felony convictions, not be wanted for any crime, and submit to a limited background check.
To learn more about the next Community Police Academy, please call Officer Stephanie Martin, Academy Coordinator, at (310) 802-5186.
The police academy is for those interested in learning more about how MBPD functions and operates, and to dispel misconceptions about police duties. The goal of the program is to open the lines of communication and encourage interaction between local police officers and the community. Although the academy is not intended to train participants to be public safety officers, its graduates will acquire a solid foundation of the work of the police department, as well as public safety information to share with others in the community.
According to Officer Stephanie Martin, the group's coordinator, the academy draws a range of interested citizens, from high school seniors, to working professionals, to retired community members. "Some people are doing it just to be more aware and educated, some people are doing it as a way to get more involved," said Martin, noting that the academy is a prerequisite for volunteer work with the police department.
"The police academy was one of the best programs I've ever attended," said Liz Spear, DigMB.com editor who attended the 2012 class when she was editor of Manhattan Beach Patch. "As a journalist, I wanted to know more about police work and the intricacies that can dictate what the police say, don't say, do and don't do.
"As a Manhattan Beach resident, I found our city's academy to be of superior quality. And the experience was one in which I learned a tremendous amount about what police go through. The ride-along I got to do as part of our coursework was very revealing. To see police in action, from their view, seeing what they see, was invaluable."
The academy, now in 10th year, will accept a total of 20 applicants. The first session will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2015, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in the MBPD Community Room. Classes will continue weekly and will culminate on March 12th with a graduation ceremony.
To be considered for participation in the next academy, please complete the Community Police Academy Application (PDF) and return to:
Manhattan Beach Police Department
Attn: Community Affairs Office
420 15th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Applications will be reviewed to determine suitability for the program and applicants must meet the following criteria: be at least 18 years old, reside/work within the City of Manhattan Beach, not have felony convictions, not be wanted for any crime, and submit to a limited background check.
To learn more about the next Community Police Academy, please call Officer Stephanie Martin, Academy Coordinator, at (310) 802-5186.
