The Oregon City Police Department will host a Citizen Police Academy beginning September 15, 2010. The academy allows citizens to learn about the variety of duties and responsibilities police officers must perform to protect and serve the public. The Citizen Police Academy offers insight and understanding as to the mission and services performed by our law enforcement department and criminal court system. Academy trainees will have the opportunity to meet with many of the men and women whom have sworn to protect our community. Trainees will attend classes taught by representatives from Oregon City Police. Classes include an overview of the criminal justice court system; definitions of various crimes; presentations on police use of force; ethics and hiring process; drug activity; field sobriety tests; canine, SWAT and other police related topics. Trainees gain insight to the daily decisions officers must make, oftentimes those decisions requiring instantaneous judgment and reaction. Class sessions offered include tour of police department, Clackamas County dispatch, jail, and juvenile reception center. All courses are designed to be interesting and informative. Attendees are selected, and invited to attend the academy by the Chief of Police (or assigned designee) from the police department. Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered: • Must be at least 18 years of age • A resident of the City of Oregon City, or work within or own a business in Oregon City. • Must pass a complete background check (includes but may not be limited to criminal history and driving history and status) • Must be available for all the class sessions • Must be approved for attendance by the Chief of Police (or assigned designee) • Must sign a liability waiver The Citizen Police Academy has a limited size of 25 qualified and accepted applicants. Attendees are encouraged to ride along with a member of the police department during, or immediately following completion of the Acad emy. The Citizen Police Academy will be held on Wednesday evenings and some scheduled Saturdays for 10 weeks. Most classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The location of the classes will be at the Oregon City Police Department Municipal Courtroom. Upon completion of the academy, a graduation ceremony will be held acknowledging the time and effort of all the attendees. Please do not apply unless certain you are capable of attending every class. This program requires a substantial time commitment! Any attendees missing more than 2 classes will not be allowed to continue the program, and will be asked to re-apply for a future academy. (This program is only offered once per year, due to time constraints.) If you are interested in applying for one of the limited academy spots, fill out and return the Citizen Police Academy application form.