Citizens Police Academy Accepting Applications

Friday, 10 January 2020 06:53

Residents can now submit their application to the Woodstock Police Citizens Police Academy. They'll learn how the police service operates throughout a nine week program.

WOODSTOCK - The Woodstock Police are encouraging anyone in the community to apply for their Citizens Police Academy.

It's a nine-week program that will offer those an opportunity to see how the police service operates.

Community Service Officer Shaylyn Jackson says applicants will also get a look at the speciality units and different services provided.

"They'll really get a good look at what our patrol officers do every single day on a regular basis. They're going to learn more about our Containment Team and what their role is, what our Drug and Intel Unit does, what Traffic Collision Reconstruction looks like. They'll get to look at our Community Services Unit and they'll get to participate in Firearms and Use of Force training and different experiences that police officers get trained on every single year."

She adds you'll also get to participate in a Ride Along.

The program started in 2001 and since its inception it's seen 140 citizens join the Citizens Academy.

After graduation, although participants will have no affiliation with the Woodstock Police, there are a variety of career paths to choose from in law enforcement. They're also encouraged to get involved with the Victims Assistance Services of Oxford County (VASOC) if they're interested.

Jackson says it's a great opportunity for everyone.

"I think it's really important for the community to have a good understanding on what their police service is doing and the services that are available to them. We're looking for positive community members who can be role models and advocates for our police service. So we want people who are willing to learn as much as they can and spread the message out in the community and really share all of the great things that are happening within our service."

Several graduates from the Academy have joined the service as either a Constable or as a member of their Auxiliary Police Unit.

She says they're expecting to start the program in March.

Jackson adds application forms must be submitted with a resume and cover letter to the Chief of Police by January 31st at 4:00 pm.

For those interested in applying, you can visit here.