The Clayton County Police Department is rolling out an initiative to further bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community, offering a unique glimpse into the daily operations and challenges faced by police officers. Announced on July 8, the Citizens Police Academy is set to be a free 10-week program, commencing on September 8 and wrapping up on November 10, with weekly sessions every Monday evening.
Residents of Clayton County, or those who work within its bounds, are presented with an opportunity to engage with various facets of law enforcement from traffic control to the complexities of handling bomb threats. According to the official announcement, participants will gain hands-on experience with a diverse set of units including but not limited to Traffic, CSI, Gangs, Drone, Bomb Units, and more, fostering a nuanced understanding of police work and potentially dispelling preconceived notions.
Entry to the academy does come with preconditions: interested locals must pass a criminal background check to ensure the safety and integrity of the program and its attendees. For those looking to get a slice of this immersive civic experience, inquiries can be made, and applications obtained by contacting Officer S. Dismuke at 470.322.7116 or via email at [email protected], as noted in Clayton County's press release.
