A citizens’ academy is a must-have tool for fostering trust between you and the community you serve
As your grandparents used to say, you don’t truly know someone’s story until you walk in their shoes. That idea might be the key to strengthening relationships between police departments and their communities. Citizens’ academies offer hands-on learning experiences to the public, dispel myths, and foster meaningful dialogue and relationships. Below is a blueprint for creating an impactful Citizens’ Academy.
Why Police Departments Need a Citizens’ Academy
- Enhance community involvement in crime prevention.
- Build trust between the public and law enforcement.
- Educate citizens on the complexities of police work.
- Bolster recruitment efforts
Building the Citizens’ Police Academy Curriculum
Every community has different needs, so tailor your curriculum accordingly. Ask, “What is important to my community?” Review recent local news stories and engage with community leaders to understand their concerns. Citizens’ academies are perfect opportunities to address topical issues and highlight your department’s work in areas such as:
- Speeding and traffic safety.
- Police force options.
- Drunk driving prevention.
- Emergency preparedness.
- School safety.
Once you’ve identified key concerns, create and schedule educational sessions addressing these pain-points.
In addition to community-specific topics, include hands-on experiences that offer a realistic glimpse into an officer’s daily life. Consider:
- Ride-alongs to experience patrol duties firsthand.
- Forensic unit tours to explore investigation methodology.
- Simulator training to provide insight into police decision-making.
Try to balance classroom instruction with interactive activities to maintain engagement. Attention spans aren’t what they used to be!
Simulator Training
One proven way police agencies create memorable (and occasionally viral) experiences is by allowing citizens to participate in department training simulators. Besides ride-alongs, simulated scenario training is one of the most accurate representations of an officer’s daily challenges. VirTra offers scenarios ranging from de-escalation to active shooter drills, which will leave a lasting impact on academy participants. If you are the proud owner of a VirTra system, try demonstrating the following scenarios:
- Bridge Baby
- Special Populations: Autism
- NASA EDP
Check out what Anaheim Police Department was able to accomplish by bringing citizens into their training simulator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixmmStx0Ds0
Community Engagement is a Two-Way Street
Encourage open conversations by addressing community concerns. A citizens’ academy should not be a one-sided lecture but an opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Be transparent, answer tough questions, and don’t be afraid to show your fun side – show how despite the tall order of responsibilities, police are just like the rest of us. Many agencies have strengthened public trust by positioning themselves as an open book, showing the rewarding elements of the job, and demonstrating a willingness to communicate.
Maximizing Media Outreach
Once your plan is set, it’s time to get the word out. If you have media contacts, now’s the time to use them. Consider a targeted approach by reaching out to:
- Local news outlets for coverage.
- Community organizations, religious groups, and activist networks to ensure diverse participation.
- Legislators – show the people in charge what kind of value you provide: (Here’s a great example)
- Department social media channels to highlight the unique educational opportunities being offered.
Celebrate the Experience
A 10-week course is quite a commitment-why not reward your participants? Consider hosting a graduation ceremony to recognize their dedication. A potluck can foster goodwill and reinforce long-term engagement with the program.
By creating a community-focused academy, agencies can bridge gaps, encourage cooperation, and ultimately build stronger, safer communities. VirTra’s training systems give these programs an additional edge by providing citizens with the most accurate depiction of what law enforcement officers experience on the job.
Investing in a VirTra simulator for your team and community has never been easier.
Learn more about simulator pricing options: https://www.virtra.com/overview-le/pricing/
Contact us today for a free consultation!
