The Midlothian Police Department is ready to roll out its latest program aimed at bridging the gap between law enforcement and the public. The 29th installment of the Citizen’s Police Academy is set to kick off on February 20. The initiative, which has seen 28 prior successful runs, seeks to deepen civilian understanding of police procedures and foster a collaborative environment between officers and the community they protect and serve.
Running for ten weeks with a break for Spring Break, the Academy provides a no-cost education on policing directly from the source: the officers themselves. Classes are scheduled for Tuesday nights, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at the Midlothian Police Department headquarters, located on North Highway 67. Residents and workers of Midlothian, plus youths aged 16 and up with parental authorization, are invited to attend, learn, and engage with their local law enforcement officers.
Education is power, and the Academy's curriculum is designed to empower citizens with knowledge across a wide spectrum of police work. This includes understanding the law, crime prevention tactics, investigative methods, and the complexities of traffic control. Participants can also expect to delve into the specifics of crime scene management, departmental procedures, and both lethal and non-lethal firearms training and orientation.
According to the Midlothian Police Department, "Putting the Unity in Community," this community outreach program is an actionable step toward creating a solid partnership between the townspeople and their police force. The underlying fabric of the Citizen’s Police Academy is woven with the threads of transparency and mutual respect – qualities essential for effective civil governance and community safety.
Interest in the Academy is already gaining momentum. Those looking to join can register at the Midlothian Police Department’s website. To complete the registration process, applicants can fill out the form and email it to Officer Scott Hughes. "Each participant must complete a separate registration form," reminded Officer Hughes, who is available to resolve any queries at his email [email protected] or via phone at 972-775-7633, as per the Midlothian Police Department.
