TOLEDO, Ohio — Are you interested in learning more about the jobs of local police?
The Toledo Police Department is offering an opportunity for a select group of citizens to get a closer look at what officers do each day and in turn, forge a bond between police and the people they are sworn to protect.
The 17th Citizens Police Academy will be held for ten weeks beginning March 6.
It will be the first Citizens Police Academy hosted by TPD since 2019.
Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. and applications are open to residents of the city of Toledo. Interested applicants must be over 21 years old, pass a criminal background check, attend 80% of sessions and complete and submit a written application form.
Participants will be selected for "maximum community diversity," according to a press release. The academy is limited to 25 participants.
There will be a graduation ceremony at the end of the academy and participants will be awarded diplomas by the Toledo police chief.
Classes are taught by members of TPD for an overview of police work. Participants will receive information on things like criminal investigations and the use of deadly force. Each academy participant will be invited to do a ride-a-long with an officer.
"It is our hope that by the time the program ends, you have not only learned something valuable about how the Toledo Police Department operates, but have gained a few friends as well," a TPD spokesperson said.
The 2024 spring session will run from March 6-May 8.
More information on the Toledo Police Citizens Police Academy is available at this link, including the application and waiver form.
The application and waiver must be returned by Feb. 14. It can be returned by mail or email.
Any questions can be emailed to Officer Allie Missler at allie.misler@toledo.oh.gov or by calling 419-936-3400.
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