Eugene residents, students and workers have the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and how their local police department works this summer and fall: The Eugene Police Department is offering two Youth Academies this July and a Citizens' Police Academy for adults starting in September. Applications can be picked up at the police department's City Hall location or at any of the four public safety stations. The application deadline for youth is this Thursday, June 30; adults must apply for the fall academy by August 1. In both adult and youth academies, students will learn about a variety of assignments within the police department such as the K-9 unit, SWAT, violent crimes, motorcycle traffic enforcement, narcotics team, bomb squad, forensics, and more. Participants also will visit the 9-1-1 Communications Center and local corrections facilities. Students in each academy will learn some defensive tactics and be given instruction on emergency vehicle operation—and actually get to drive a police car on the Emergency Vehicle Operations course (EVOC). Adult CPA participants also will be given the opportunity to shoot police handguns and rifles at the police firearms range. The two Youth Academy sessions being offered this summer are scheduled for July 11–15 and July 25–29. Each academy runs 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. weekdays for one week. Upon completion of the Youth Academy, students will earn 2.5 credits if their school district agrees. Eligible students are required to be enrolled in high school or have just graduated this school year. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, possess a valid driver's permit or license, and pass a criminal background check. There is a $25 fee to register for the Youth Academy. Applications are due June 30. For more information, please call 682-5189. The 19th adult Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) will be held September 8–December 15, 2005. The CPA is a 13-week program, with classes on Thursdays from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., plus three Saturdays from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To attend the academy, citizens must live or work in the City of Eugene, be at least 19 years of age, and pass a criminal background check. The CPA is offered free of charge. Applications are due August 1. For more information, please call 682-2751. # # # |
