What is the Citizens' Academy?

Policing interests many people. This is evidenced by the numerous television programs and motion pictures which portray police in action. While police programs may be exciting, they are usually inaccurate. Involved citizens wonder about the real world of law enforcement. How do the police really solve crimes? How do officers spend their time? Citizens may wonder what the police actually do to improve the quality of life in Lawrence.

Unfortunately, most citizens rarely have contact with their police department except during emergencies or other negative, stressful situations. It is therefore natural for people to have questions about what the police do on a regular basis and why. The Lawrence Police Department welcomes this interest and provides the citizens of Lawrence an avenue to explore their police agency through the Citizens' Academy.

The Citizens' Academy is a 30-hour course designed to bring the people of Lawrence closer to their police department. The Citizens' Academy covers police training, police procedures, legal issues, and basic Lawrence Police philosophies. Participants are afforded opportunities to speak with patrol officers, department staff, and the Chief of Police. Our goal is to give the public an open and honest view of the local police agency that serves them. We hope these contacts will improve cooperation between the public and the Lawrence Police Department.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or a genuine interest in the Lawrence Police Department, will find a forum for discussion and an educational opportunity in the Lawrence Police Department's Citizens' Academy.

Citizens' Academy Applicant Qualifications

• Applicant must be eighteen years of age or older.
• Applicant must have no history of criminal behavior.
• Applicant must pass a background check.
• Applicant must provide three local references.