West County Citizens Academy starts Jan. 7

November 28, 2019 4:30 pm
COURTESY PHOTO The Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis police departments are offering a free Citizens Academy to west county residents interested in learning more about the inner workings of the criminal justice system in Grays Harbor County. Here Aberdeen Police Chief Steve Shumate speaks to attendees at last years academy.
COURTESY PHOTO The Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis police departments are offering a free Citizens Academy to west county residents interested in learning more about the inner workings of the criminal justice system in Grays Harbor County. Here Aberdeen Police Chief Steve Shumate speaks to attendees at last years academy.

The Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Cosmopolis police departments are offering the second annual West County Citizens Academy starting in January, announced Aberdeen Police Lt. Dale Green.

The free academy exposes residents to some of the interesting aspects of law enforcement and the local criminal justice system in Grays Harbor County. The courses are designed to provide a unique insight and experience into what law enforcement does every day serving our communities, said Green.

Those attending will hear from law enforcement officers, dispatchers, prosecutors, judges and crime lab technicians, as well as visit E911 dispatch, see a police canine demonstration and spend time on the police range learning about firearm safety.

“We hope the Academy will allow citizens to share in public service and learn about the challenges and demands associated with law enforcement,” said Green. “It is also designed for citizens to learn the reasons why police officers respond to various situations in a particular way and how they ultimately handle these situations.”

Classes start Jan. 7 and will be held Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Harbor City Church, 1700 Cherry St. in Aberdeen. There will also be a number of Saturday classes so attendees can participate in some hands-on law enforcement activities. The academy is approximately 12 weeks long.

Applicants to the Citizens Academy must be at least 18 years of age, have no significant criminal record and be available to attend the overall Academy course schedule. Applications are available at the Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis Police stations and available online at www.aberdeenwa.gov or www.cityofhoquiam.com. The class is limited to 30 students.

For specific questions about the Citizen’s Academy, please contact Green at dgreen@aberdeenwa.gov or by phone at 360-538-4408.

COURTESY PHOTO The Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis police departments are offering a free Citizens Academy to west county residents interested in learning more about the inner workings of the criminal justice system in Grays Harbor County.

COURTESY PHOTO The Aberdeen, Hoquiam and Cosmopolis police departments are offering a free Citizens Academy to west county residents interested in learning more about the inner workings of the criminal justice system in Grays Harbor County.