SLPD Citizens Police Academy Registration Ongoing

Sugar Land, Texas - Want to discover firsthand what it takes to be a police officer, get to know your beat officer and learn more about criminal investigation?  Find out by signing up for the Sugar Land Police Department's recently expanded Citizens Police Academy.  The 10-week course begins Sept. 13, with students meeting once a week from 7-10 p.m., including weekend courses that include firearm simulations, mock building searches and simulated traffic stops.

While learning about the challenges faced by police officers, laws affecting citizens, the judicial system and emergency management, participants personally interact with officers, detectives and other personnel in a nontraditional law enforcement setting.

The training program consists of classroom and "hands on" instruction designed to provide interested Sugar Land citizens with a working knowledge of the Sugar Land Police Department, its personnel and emergency management operations.

Topics taught during the academy include the following:

*     USE OF FORCE / WEAPONS:  Students are given instruction concerning the legal use of weapons.  Students view various types of weapons used by police officers and learn common language and phrases used by police.

*     FIREARM SIMULATIONS: Students participate in a "Shoot - Don't Shoot" scenario by utilizing the electronic firearms training system.  Interactive scenarios allow students to experience a variety of situations involving armed confrontation.

*     NARCOTICS: Course study includes narcotic laws, identifying and reporting suspected narcotic trafficking activity and identification of various substances.

*     GANGS:  Community gang activity is discussed, as well as tips for determining whether children are involved in gangs.

*     TRAFFIC LAWS AND DWI INVESTIGATIONS:  Traffic laws and procedures are discussed with emphasis on the most common traffic offenses.  The course also covers drunk-driving enforcement and accident investigations.  Students receive specialized instruction concerning the procedures for initiating traffic stops and officer safety.

*     BUILDING SEARCH / TRAFFIC STOPS:  Students participate in exercises that simulate traffic stops and dangerous citizen interactions.  Participants operate a fully equipped patrol vehicle under the supervision of a police instructor.

*     CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS:  Texas laws and penalties are discussed, with an emphasis on criteria for assaults, burglaries, robberies and thefts.

*     TELECOMMUNICATIONS / EOC:  A public safety dispatcher will explain radio procedures and their role to support police, fire and emergency medical services.  Students tour the emergency communications center. 

*     CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION:  A crime scene investigator discusses the collection and preservation of evidence.  This unit also includes a tour of SLPD's crime identification lab.

*     TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE:  The class tours the TDCJ Jester Prison Unit.  Students visit most areas and learn about how the Texas prison system works. 

*     CRIME VICTIM LIAISON:  SLPD's crime victim liaison discusses the process that victims go through and the programs available for victims.

Everything needed for the 10-week course is supplied free-of-charge.