Thank you for your interest in our Citizen Police Academy!

Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association Info

 

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What is the Columbus Citizen Police Academy?

The Citizen Police Academy is a look into the values, philosophy, and operation of the Columbus Division of Police.  Designed for the residents of Columbus, the Academy educates citizens about the 'how's and why's' of the Division, and the citizen's role in the Community Oriented Policing philosophy. Students are expected to share this realistic view of the Division with other citizens to improve the efficiency of law enforcement and order maintenance in their neighborhoods through shared responsibilities and resources.

The purpose of the Columbus Division of Police Citizen Police Academy is to provide information to the citizens who attend, so they may make informed judgments about the Columbus Division of Police, and police activity.  Understanding can dispel suspicions and misconceptions, and increase police/community rapport through this educational process.  The Division, in turn, becomes more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community through input from the students. This will help to establish open lines of communication and cooperation in our shared goal of achieving the best police service for the citizens of Columbus.

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What topics are covered?

A wide variety of topics are covered in the Citizen Police Academy. Citizens examine training and related issues.  The application of the Community - Oriented Policing philosophy will be discussed.  the topics will address both parts of the Division -- those which are seen by the public, and those areas seldom seen.

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When does the Academy meet?

The Citizen Police Academy meets one day a week for nine weeks.  Any student who misses more than two meetings will not be able to graduate.  Once the applications are closed for a particular class, the selections will be made by the Academy staff, with the final approval by the Chief of Police.  

There is no cost to students.  Casual clothing is recommended. Contact Officer Betty Schwab at (614) 645-4113 (ext. 1114) for an application and/or more information.

 

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Who can apply?

• Persons 21 years old and older

• Persons involved in community activities (area commissions, business commissions, block watches, owners of businesses within Columbus)

• Columbus residents

• Able to make a commitment to attend the nine week course

Applicants who would not be considered are:

• Persons who have applications pending with a law enforcement agency.  (It is not the intent of the C.P.A. to further the career choices of the students.)

• Direct relatives of current police officers living in the same household.

• Persons with a known criminal history.

• Persons under 21 years of age.

• Persons living outside the Columbus City limits.

Local records and criminal history will be checked, as will outstanding warrant and driving histories.  Persons with a history of thefts, public intoxication, or repeated offenses will not be considered.  Persons who are the subject of a protective order will not be considered.  Persons with extensive driving records will be looked at to determine if their reasons for wanting to attend the Citizen Police Academy conform with the goals of the Academy and Division of Police.

A waiting list will be created from the accepted applications that were not able to be included in this class due to class size. If an opening occurs prior to the beginning of the class, the next person on the waiting list will be contacted.

***PLEASE NOTE***

If accepted, applicants ARE NOT permitted to bring children to class!!

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Application to attend the Citizen Police Academy

To print out an application to the Columbus Division of Police Citizen Police Academy, click on the button below. After you have printed and competed the application, mail it to the address included at the bottom of the application. 

Important: Any incomplete an/or unsigned applications will not be considered.

Citizen Police Academy Application