Want to Learn How Police Work? Hermosa Beach Community Police Academy's Looking for Participants

HERMOSA BEACH, CA -- The Hermosa Beach Police Department is currently seeking participants and is now accepting applications for the upcoming Community Police Academy.

The next session starts Thursday, March 23, 2017. Students meet every Thursday night thereafter for a total of eight weeks.

Classes begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. and meet at the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers.

Designed to increase the understanding of the Police Department's operations, the Academy is conducted over an eight week period and is open to people who live and/or work in the City.

Participants will learn from department personnel who are experts in the areas of Patrol, Detectives, Motors, Narcotics, Firearms and K-9. All participants will take part in practical demonstrations (live scenarios) and an optional ride-along sometime after the Academy.

Participants will gain an overall knowledge of the Hermosa Beach Police Department, how we are organized and how we serve the community. Even though the subject matter is similar to a traditional police academy, the CPA is not designed to prepare students to be police officers.

There is no physical exercise/exams in this academy and we encourage all people 21 years of age and older to apply. A typical class will consist of 12-16 people of varying backgrounds. All graduates are eligible (although not required) to apply to our Volunteers in Policing Program within the Police Department.

Participants will meet the Chief of Police, managers, supervisors, patrol officers, detectives, records staff, and other department employees. We encourage questions and want everyone to express their concerns about pertinent issues.

A major goal of the CPA is to increase understanding between our community and the Police Department, and to enhance the strong relationship which already exists.

CPA participants will enjoy a variety of experiences, including the following: Police facility tour, make simulated car stops, fingerprinting/processing a crime scene, K-9 demonstration, shoot or don’t shoot scenarios, jail booking and more. Participants may opt out of any portion of the scenarios and do not have to participate in the “hands-on” exercises if desired.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS
Potential candidates for the CPA must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum age of 21 years
• Live or work in Hermosa Beach
• No prior felony arrests
• No misdemeanor arrests within one year of application
• Valid CA Driver’s License
• Must be willing to sign City of Hermosa Beach Liability Release Waiver

SELECTION PROCEDURE
Approximately one week after the application is submitted, participants will be notified via e-mail and/or phone of acceptance or denial.

For a CPA application, please contact:

Sergeant Mick Gaglia
Hermosa Beach Police Department
540 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 750-3580
mgaglia@hermosapolice.org

-- Hermosa Beach Police Department news release. Courtesy photo