Mayor, council urge residents to attend Citizen’s Academy

The Unified Police Department’s annual Citizen’s Academy will take place in September 2012 and is open for signup now. The program is a free 10 week course that is designed to give citizens a more in-depth knowledge of the Unified Police Department and how it works.

Midvale City Councilmember Colleen Costello and other city officials took part in last year’s program to learn more about UPD after contracting out Midvale’s public safety to the department. Costello was admittedly skeptical about getting rid of the Midvale Police Department at first and was anxious to learn about the UPD. After attending the Citizen’s Academy, she felt better about the city’s decision. “It was a wonderful experience. I was just so impressed,” she said. “I am really hoping our residents take advantage of this class. It gives you such an insight for what they do.”

Topics covered throughout the course include forensics, firearms training, and SWAT, among others. The highlight of the academy is the four hour ride-along with a patrol officer that participants are allowed to go on, according to Costello(?). 

“Our police are just not given the credit that the police are due,” Costello said. “This class gave me a deep appreciation for the police department.”

Only 24 people are allowed into the class each year, so it is recommended that you sign up early. To register for the class, email Levi Hughes at lhughes@slco.org.