Citizens Police Academy Accepting Applications

Georgia Tech’s Citizens Police Academy is a five-week program designed to educate and inform the Tech community about issues related to law enforcement efforts on campus and how the Georgia Tech Police Department operates. The Academy, which is accepting applications for spring, is open to all Tech faculty, staff, and students.

“If you have questions about the operations of the department, the type of training the officers receive, the day-to-day function of the department, or if you just want to have a better understanding of law enforcement — this academy is for you,” said Georgia Tech Police Officer Jessica Howard, Academy coordinator.  

The training, which begins March 7, includes classes on: investigations, Clery Act, K-9, law enforcement technology, firearms, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention. All classes are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The program is free, but participants must commit to attend all sessions.

Class size is limited to 12, and there are only a few slots remaining. Applicants must submit an online application by Feb. 28 and undergo a limited background investigation.

Strengthening Campus Connections

Howard said the Academy helps to develop and foster positive relations between the community and GTPD through education.

“I believe giving people the opportunity to gain insight into how and why a law enforcement agency operates the way it does — from administrative positions to the officers in the field — brings better understanding, and, ultimately, long-lasting positive relationships,” said Howard.

Brenda Morris can attest to the development of relationships.

Morris, corporate relations manager for the Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, completed the Citizens Police Academy in Spring 2018. She registered because she thought it would be an interesting way to learn about policing at Georgia Tech.

“The officers that interacted with us really gave us access to what they do,” Morris said. “They were very up-front, open, and happy to engage with us. They gave us a behind-the-scenes look at what they do and why certain things are the way they are.”

Morris, who has worked at Tech for more than 20 years, said a highlight of the experience was meeting fellow Tech employees that she never would have interacted with otherwise.

“I made a group of new colleagues and friends across campus that I can reach out to with questions,” she said. “It expanded my Georgia Tech network. That wasn’t the reason I went into it, but it was one of the best things I got out of it.”

Morris said being in the Academy was a good way for her to get to know the officers and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for what they do.

“It was good for me to see beyond the badge and to get to know the officers as people,” she said. “I would like to see more people go through the Academy.”

To learn more and register for the Citizens Police Academy, visit police.gatech.edu/academy.