WHAT IS THE CITIZEN PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY?
The Citizen Public Safety Academy provides an excellent opportunity for citizens who work and live in the city of South Bay to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the public safety department. This will enable participants to gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies and laws that guide the department's decisions. It is not intended to make citizens into police officers or firefighters, but to allow citizens to learn more about public safety operations. Citizens will become informed as to the actual role of the public safety officer and in return, the public safety officer will benefit from the wealth of knowledge the citizens can give about their community.
The Citizen Public Safety Academy is our opportunity to show how serious our commitment is to our community. While attending the Citizen Public Safety Academy, you will be involved in actual training sessions and will leave with a broader understanding of the police and firefighting functions. It is our hope that the participants of our Academy will develop an understanding of law enforcement and will be able to formulate responsible conclusions concerning police activities.
WHO MAY ATTEND THE ACADEMY?
Citizens who live and work in the city of South Bay as well as family members of police officers are eligible to apply to the Academy and will be given first preference. However, we also encourage citizens within the Glades Area, who do not fall within the above categories and have an interest in law enforcement and firefighting, to apply.
A criminal record and driving status is checked on each applicant. The South Bay Public Safety Department reserves the right to deny acceptance to persons with a criminal history. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older.
HOW ARE THE CLASSES CONDUCTED?
Students meet on Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 10 weeks. Occasionally classes run over the scheduled time, to accommodate more in-depth training such as firearms and driving.
Students will receive a total of 32 hours of instruction from certified public safety officers and other expert instructors. On the 10th week, the public safety department will conduct a graduation ceremony for the participants that successfully complete the Academy.
Students will also be required to spend 10 hours in a police ride-a-long program. This will provide the student with a firsthand knowledge of what it is like to work as a patrol officer.
The Citizen Public Safety Academy is offered once in the spring and once in the fall of each year.
WHAT SUBJECTS ARE TAUGHT IN CLASS?
Subjects include:
· Recruitment
· Uniform Patrols
· Evidence
· Firefighting
· First Aid and Rescue
· K-9 Demonstration
· Control Continuum Demonstration
· Crime Prevention
· Jail Tour
· Firearms Training
· Investigations
· Radar
· Internal Affairs
· Traffic and DUI
· Criminal Law
· Bike Patrol Demonstration
· Tour Dispatch Center
· Officer Ride-A-Long
Many of these classes will give the student an opportunity to have hands-on experience so they will develop an understanding of what a public safety officer performs on a day-to-day basis.
HOW CAN INFORMATION FROM THIS ACADEMY BE USED BY THE POLICE?
The South Bay Public Safety Department believes public opinion and knowledge is essential to establish the community policing concept. Opinions provided from citizens will play a vital role in the future of the police department.
The more information the public has about the public safety department, the less fears will exist. Many conflicts are caused simply by a lack of understanding, and these can be avoided.
It is our hope that graduates of the Citizen Public Safety Academy take their knowledge into the community, educate others when the opportunity arises, and make decisions which affect the city and public safety department with heightened awareness and better information. Additionally, graduates become extra eyes and ears to observe and report crimes or suspicious activities throughout our area.
IS THERE A FEE FOR THE CITIZEN PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY?
NO. The South Bay Public Safety Department provides this service to the community free of charge. The Academy is sponsored by the city of South Bay and private sponsors.
HOW DO I APPLY?
For More Info contact the South Bay Public Safety Department or choose a form option below:
Or
Or
| 
