NPD Citizen Police Academy open for registration

Residents will have an opportunity to see firsthand what it takes to be a police officer during this year’s Citizen Police Academy in September.

In its 21st year, the Newton Police Department will hold a nine-week course, beginning Sept. 19. The course will run every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. until Nov. 14.

Police Chief Rob Burdess said there are spots available for individuals to sign up until Aug. 31. The class’s limit is 20 participants. Burdess said applicants who don’t make it into this year’s class will be put on a priority list for next year.

During the 27 hours of classroom and hands-on training, participants will learn firearms safety and shooting, traffic enforcement, arrest tactics, shoot and don’t shoot scenarios, SWAT team/search warrants, hiring process/requirements, emergency driving training, defensive tactics, non-lethal weapon deployment, crime scene investigations, narcotics investigations and OWI enforcement.

Burdess said he encourages individuals to sign up because it will allow police officers to connect with citizens in the community and grow the police and citizen relationship in a positive way.

“The Citizens Police Academy is an excellent opportunity to learn about police operations and experience firsthand the duties and challenges that law enforcement officers face daily,” Burdess said. “The nine-week course exposes participants to various aspects of a police officer’s duties through interactive and hands on activities and scenarios.”

Burdess said the course is always changing and improving each year based on the community’s feedback.

“The course is a week longer this year. Beyond that, every year the academy is a bit different as law enforcement tactics, procures, equipment and laws change,” Burdess said. “Participants who graduated from the course 10 to 20 years ago would see a much different class today than they did back then.”

An often overlooked benefit that comes from the academy is getting the officers involved.

“Participants will have an opportunity to grow their relationship with police officers and open the lines of communication that will enhance citizen involvement and overall safety of the community,” Burdess said.

The academy is for those 18 or older. If someone is interested who is younger than 18, they must be accompanied by a parent and the decision to let them in is at the discretion of the police chief.

Applications are available at the police department or by emailing Janet Cox at janetc@newtongov.org. Applications also can be printed from the City of Newton website at newtongov.org. For more information, call the police department at 641-791-0850.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com