Citizens Police Academy

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety continues to strive to maintain the best possible relationship with the community in which we serve. In an effort to promote a better understanding and awareness within the community, in 2009, 2010 and again in 2012 Kalamazoo Public Safety held the Citizen's Police Academy designed specifically for community and organizational leaders.

 This academy is designed to educate local leaders by immersing them in the latest police and fire training, tactics and education. Attendees are given a front seat, hands on, behind the scenes dynamic view into the real world of Community Policing, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics Investigations, Fire Safety and Suppression, Traffic Enforcement, Use of Force, Bomb Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Canine Unit. This seminar is designed to be completely interactive with participants getting the opportunity to not only learn about what Public Safety does, but take an active role in all aspects of this exciting and challenging profession.

 As important as the emersion into the world of Public Safety is, participants often comment that the opportunity for real and relaxed dialogue with officers, provides them with some of the most important insights. This academy also benefits Public Safety officers in that it allows them to speak with community leaders and understand the public's perceptions, ideas and solutions to community issues.

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Testimonials From Past Graduates

The program is very educational, honest, and frank.  It has a very significant value to our community.  What I came out with is a great realization and respect for what public service is all about.

What an experience! As a female, I've always felt intimidated by the authority - but now, all I really have is respect.

Awesome!  Changed my whole perspective on the risks officers take everyday, and how split second decisions are made.  I want to be a police officer!

While one lady said it made her want to be a police officer; I thought, "WHY would anyone want to do this?? So dangerous and hard."  I have a much better understanding and will be able to articulate regarding KDPS.  All the Officers were wonderful and helpful.

I thought this was a very well balanced program.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up and was scared it may be two days of informative lectures, however I was pleasently surprised and ended up really enjoying myself while developing a new found respect for public safety officers.

As a member of the media, this program helped me see officers as real people with real lives.  It also has helped me appreciate the training, quick decision making, and professionalism of KDPS.  It was well worth the time.

 This was an incredible experience.  I have a new respect for KDPS and all you do.  I realize there is more to the story then what we hear and see.

 Awesome experience that has heightened my respect for public safety.