The SMPD Wants to Throw the Book at You

By LookOut Staff

If you've ever wanted to get an up close and personal look at the Santa Monica Police Department without having to wear a pair of handcuffs and be fingerprinted, now is your chance.

The SMPD will offer its Citizen Police Academy beginning Tuesday, March 1. The 11-week program, which meets once a week for three hours, gives participants an inside look at the department's functions, responsibilities and operational procedures.

The course will be taught by police officers, police executives and highly specialized SMPD civilian employees and will include demonstrations, discussions and lectures. Participants also will have the chance to try their hand in mock exercises.

SMPD specialized units including the Defensive Tactics Team, Metro Team, K-9, Traffic Enforcement and Internal Affairs also will offer glimpses into their areas of expertise.

The free class is open to anyone over the age of 21, who lives, works or attends school in Santa Monica.

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Feb. 20, or until the class is full. To obtain an application or to ask questions, please call the Santa Monica Police Department's Community Relations Unit at (310) 458-8474.