Citizen Police Academy

In 1993, the Bridgeport Police Department embarked on a concept of educating citizens of the community on the daily activities of their police officers by conducting its first Citizen Police Academy. This program was adopted and developed from the few programs already in existence in Orlando, Florida; Austin and Houston, Texas; Sparks, Nevada, and Missouri. The Bridgeport Citizen Police Academy is the first of its kind within Fairfield County.

The goal of the Bridgeport Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy is to foster a better relationship between the community and the police department through training. It is envisioned that graduates will gain an understanding of the operation of the Bridgeport Police Department and develop an awareness and understanding of the various challenges and decisions faced daily by Bridgeport Police Officers.

Even though the selected citizens are given training in numerous police-related subjects, the graduates are not prepared for nor expected to conduct any police services. Rather, it is our hope that the graduates will be goodwill ambassadors for the Bridgeport Police Department.

Requirements for admission to the academy include:

1. Minimum age of 21 years;

2. Must be a resident of Bridgeport, or

Because of the sensitive nature of police work, a background investigation is completed on each of the applicants. This investigation includes a criminal history, drivers license status, and a warrant check.

The City Police Academy is held one evening a week, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for fourteen weeks. During the fourteen week program, students are exposed to a variety of police topics including:

1. Uniform Patrol
2. Criminal Investigations
3. Crime Scene Processing
4. Narcotic and Vice Investigations
5. Juvenile Investigations/Gangs
6. Criminal Justice System
7. Emergency Communications
8. Professional Standards

Students are also required to spend two hours at the police department’s communication center. As well, the students must also spend a minimum of six hours on a ride-along with patrol officers.

At the end of the academy, the students are invited to attend a graduation ceremony and photo session.

Bridgeport Police Department

Citizen’s Police Academy

APPLICATION

Date of Application: ____________________

Name: ___________________________________ Date of Birth: _________________________

Address: _________________________________ Work Phone: _________________________

City/State/Zip: _____________________________ Home Phone: _________________________

Soc. Sec. #:___________________ Driver’s Lic. #: ______________ State: __________________

Employer: ________________________________ Occupation: ___________________________

Employer’s Address________________________________________________________________

(Street) (City) (State) (Zip)

Have you been arrested for any offense other than traffic violations? Yes _____ No _____

If yes,

What for?_______________________ When?________________ Where?___________________

Briefly list or describe any civic activities/organizations that you are involved in:_________________

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What experience have you had with law enforcement?

Circle one: Positive Negative

Briefly explain: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Briefly explain your interest in the Citizen’s Police Academy: _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________

What do you expect to gain from attending this academy? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The classes for the academy will be held for fourteen weeks on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Will you be able to attend all of the classes?

YES ( ) NO ( )

List the person to be contacted in case of an emergency during your attendance at the Citizen’s Police Academy:

Name: ______________________________ Address: __________________________________

Telephone: __________________________ Relationship: _______________________________

I hereby certify that the information contained in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. You are hereby authorized to make any investigation of my personal history deemed necessary for consideration to attend the Citizen’s Police Academy.

___________________________________ ______________________

(Applicant’s Signature) (Date)