By DAILY PRESS STAFF
Those looking for the inside scoop on the boys and girls in blue can get up close and personal this month by signing up for the Santa Monica Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy.
The 12-week program, which begins Feb. 21, gives participants an overview of the department’s functions, responsibilities and operational procedures. Classes are taught by police officers, police executives and highly specialized non-sworn employees of the SMPD.
Included in the course — held one night per week for three hours — are demonstrations, discussions, lectures and personal participation in mock exercises. Units involved include the Defensive Tactics Team, Special Entry Team, K-9, Traffic Enforcement and Internal Affairs.
Participants will also tour the city’s Public Safety Facility, where a majority of the classes will be held.
Enrollment is open to anyone over the age of 21, who lives, works or attends school in Santa Monica. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 9, or until the class is full. To obtain an application or for more information, call the SMPD’s Community Relations Unit at (310) 458-8474.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 5, 2007. Read the original PDF.