The Citizen Police Academy is a 13-week program designed to create a closer relationship between the San Marcos Police Department and the citizens that it serves. The academy meets once a week on Tuesdays from 6–9 p.m.
Applications are available at the Police Department or online at the city’s website, http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/cpa. Completed applications must be dropped off at the Police Department Records Division by Aug. 31.
Citizens will learn details of the police department operations, starting with the hiring process, officer selection and the background investigations officers must pass before being hired.
Topics include internal affairs and how citizen complaints are handled, Texas Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure, the San Marcos Police Department policy and regulations that officers must adhere to, use of force, patrol, K-9, SWAT, DWIs, narcotics, communications/911, criminal investigations, gangs, school resource officers, downtown and mall bike patrol and crime scene investigations.
Students will also receive instruction at the shooting range and driving track. Hands-on training includes a simulated crime scene to investigate, as well as intoxicated subjects who will demonstrate the effects of alcohol during the DWI class.
For more information, contact the San Marcos Police Department Community Services Division at 754-2271.
August 16, 2012
