Citizens Police Academy Graduation

27 November 2023

DRPS hosted its third Citizens Police Academy which began in September 2023. The 10-week program wrapped up on November 22, 2023.  The program received more than 125 applicants for 25 positions.

The Durham Citizens Police Academy was created to promote and enhance the relationship between the community and our Service. It was not intended to train or encourage community members to be police officers. Instead, our hope is that by giving community insight into police services and operations, our residents will have a better understanding of DRPS, the services we provide and the decisions we make, often in an emergency or crisis..

The academy included demonstrations, presentations and participant interactions. Topics included:

  • Meet the Chief/Station Tour
  • Criminal Investigative Branch
  • Public Information (Media)
  • Body Worn Camera
  • Human Trafficking
  • Air Support
  • K9, Tactical Support, Hostage Rescue
  • Forensic Identification Unit
  • Internet Child Exploitation
  • Electronic Crimes
  • Community Services, Crime Prevention
  • Youth/School Liaison Officers
  • Mental Health Support Unit
  • Elder Abuse Unit
  • Communications 911 Unit (Operational Training Centre Tour)
  • Traffic Services Branch demonstration
  • Court Services/Durham Crown Attorney’s Office (Courthouse Tour)
  • Major Crimes Unit - Homicide
  • Meet the Deputy

 

Each week participants had questions for our presenters and were engaged in all aspects of the program. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Very educational, quite an eye opener!”

“Amazing speakers, they were confident and very dedicated to their work.  I learned so much and have shared it with so many people.” “…this is an amazing opportunity to learn so much more about the service including the many challenges, as well as, the determination and commitment with which the officers conduct themselves…”

“I really loved the sessions, especially body worn cameras, it was fascinating!”

“This was a very informative session and I learned so much”

“It’s really great that you have set up very interactive sessions for us to ask questions as the presentation is ongoing.”

“Great presentations, found the Q&A style presentation very accessible and beneficial”

“Phenomenal all around.”

We would like to thank all participants and members who presented to this session, as well as S/Sgt Pillman for leading this cohort.

The fourth DRPS Citizens Academy is planned for fall 2024.

 

 

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