The fall session of the MNPD’s Citizen Police Academy, with an attendance cap of 25 persons due to COVID precautions, is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 27, at the Hermitage Precinct. Nashvillians interested in learning about the inner workings and law enforcement strategies of their police department are cordially invited to apply for this free 12-week course, the 47th session, since the program began in 1995.
Classes will be held on Monday nights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. through December 13th in the community room of the Hermitage Precinct. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. September 10th. Applications can be completed on-line by going to: Citizen Police Academy.
Participants will learn about police work through the perspective of a variety of guest speakers, including members of the police department’s specialized components. Topics will include gangs, drug enforcement, violent crime investigation, crime prevention and the judicial process. There will also be demonstrations by the Aviation, Canine and Mounted Units.
“The Citizen Police Academy is an important part of our commitment to foster community engagement throughout the city,” Chief John Drake said. “This is a unique way to learn about our department’s many components, and I look forward to welcoming the fall class.”
Each participant should commit to attending at least 10 of the 12 sessions, be a Davidson County resident/business owner at least 21 years old, and have no arrest record. While completion of the course gives residents an understanding of the workings of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, it does not make a participant a certified law enforcement officer.
As part of COVID precautions, social distancing will be in place (one participant per table unless attendees are part of the same household). All participants will be required to wear face coverings and will be screened with temperature and symptom checks each week.