Get in Line for the Police Academy

By Lookout Staff

February 20 -- Santa Monica Police this week will be giving the public a rare peek at life behind the badge.

For a select few, the local department on Thursday will be offering a 12-week course on everything from criminal investigations to evidence collecting and community policing taught by Santa Monica's finest.

Known as the Citizen Police Academy, the free classes are aimed at giving local residents, students, and workers a behind-the-scenes view of the Santa Monica police department's procedures, responsibilities and operations.

Citizens 21 and older with no felony or misdemeanor convictions are chosen by the chief and can expect to tag along as investigators at staged crime scenes, handle a weapon in video game simulations, ride along with patrol officers and join "special entry" teams practicing for the real thing.

Located in the new Public Safety Facility, the academy meets once a week for three-hour classes in the evening. A tour of the Harbor Unit during one Saturday class will be held at the Santa Monica Pier.

There is no charge for attending the Academy, however, students must take turns reporting with refreshments after the first night of class.

If you would like to be on a list for future academy class participation, please contact the Community Relations Unit at 310-458-8474, or you can print out an interest card Enrollment is limited.