HACKENSACK—The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office announces open enrollment for its 27th Citizens Police Academy Class, a 10-week course designed to give residents a working knowledge of law enforcement policies and tactics. Bergen County residents 18 and older are eligible to participate.
“One of the most important components of law enforcement is fostering strong relationships with the community,” Cureton says in the program invitation. “Our Citizens Police Academy gives residents first-hand knowledge of the important work police do to enhance public safety and protect Bergen County residents.”
BCSO’s Citizens Police Academy, he said, is designed to educate participants on the functions of the Sheriff’s Office and the role the agency plays in Bergen County. “The academy is offered in a classroom-style format with demonstrations of equipment and tactics used by law enforcement. Participants learn about the tools officers use in a broad range of areas including motor vehicle stops, medical operations, disaster preparedness, homicide investigations, K-9 patrol and detection, fire safety and crime scene analysis. The class will also receive tours of the Bergen County Jail, the Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI).”
The next citizens police academy class is slated to begin on Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Bergen County Jail, 160 S. River St. Hackensack. Class meets once a week at various locations around the county and concludes with a graduation ceremony. The deadline to register is Thursday, Sept. 29.
“Due to the ever-changing dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic, this course is subject to change. Please refer to our website for the most up-to-date content,” reads the invitation. Click here to download an application [PDF].
For more information, call the Community Outreach Unit at (201) 336-3540.