Yelm Police Department Now Accepting Citizens' Academy Applications
THECITIZENS ACADEMY IS NOT CURRENTLY RUNNING
For individuals interested in the 2021 Citizens' Academy, keep watch for more information on here and our Facebook page!
The mission of the Citizens’ Academy is to promote positive relations between police and the community by providing citizens an inside look at the daily operations of your local police department.
The selected academy attendees will meet for approximately 2 hours each Wednesday evening for 8 consecutive weeks and with potential weekend activities. Attendees will learn about various operations of the department as well as the challenges that law enforcement face in today’s society. Officers and civilian personnel present on their specific areas of expertise.
Through education, hands on experience and interaction with Officers, the academy will help establish the foundation for responsible, well-informed individuals who have the potential of influencing public opinions regarding police procedure. Academy participants will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement today. They will have the opportunity to ask questions, offer comments, ideas and solutions to problems that we all share within the community.
Who may attend the academy?
Participants will be selected from applicants who live or work in and around our community. We aim to have a well-rounded cross-section of residents who have an interest in the police department from young adults to elderly; men and women; as well as representatives from civic organizations and other professions. Selected applicants do not have to live within Yelm city limits, but must be 18 years of age and pass a background check. We limit the academy to 20 attendees to insure a beneficial experience.
What topics will be covered?
Topics will include:
- The history of the Yelm Police Department
- Officer selection and training
- Police equipment and cost
- Overview of crime in our area
- The dangers of the traffic stop
- Drug enforcement
- Homeless persons and Panhandlers
- Criminal investigations
- SWAT and K9 operations
- Community Policing and Crime Prevention
Completion of the Citizens’ Academy
Upon completion, graduates of the Citizens’ Academy will receive a certificate signed by the Chief of Police. Many Academy graduates go on to help the Yelm Police Department as volunteers to help with office work and special events. The Yelm Police Department’s community outreach events include: National Night Out Against Crime; Prairie Days; and Christmas in the Park. Other Academy graduates may be interested in specialized police work with the Reserve Unit or become Volunteers in the Police Service Program.
How do I apply for the Citizens’ Academy?
If you would like to apply for the Citizens Academy, please download an and return it to the Yelm Police Department, 206 McKenzie Avenue. Applications can also be picked up at the Police Department 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Please call (360) 458-5701 with any questions.
