The purpose of the Citizen's Police Academy is to enhance and develop citizen awareness and understanding of the police officers' role in our community. The goal of the Academy is to improve the overall working relationship of citizens and police officers and to form a partnership for a safer community. It is not the Hamilton Police Department's intention to train citizens to take any type of police action nor to prepare individuals for a career in law enforcement.

Academy classes are taught by police employees, patrol officers and guest speakers. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Chief of Police and staff members, and are encouraged to ask questions and to express concerns to police employees. Topics to be covered include:

• Police Functions In Society
• Judicial System
• Traffic Laws & Crash Investigations
• Criminal & Juvenile Investigations Sections
• Vice Section Investigations
• Use of Force Policy/Traffic Stops
• Canine Demonstrations/SWAT officers
• Public Affairs Section/Crime Prevention
• Community-Oriented Police officers (COPS)
• DARE & GREAT officers programs
• Self-defense class

Potential candidates for the Citizens' Police Academy must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum age is 18 years;
• Live or work within the City of Hamilton, or be employed by an agency that has a working relationship with the Hamilton Police Department
• No prior felony arrests
• No misdemeanor arrests within two (2) years of this application

Print an application to enroll in Citizens' Police Academy

Mail it to:
Public Affairs Section
331 South Front Street
Hamilton, Ohio 45011

Any of the requirements may be waived upon review and approval of the Chief of Police or the Academy Commander who is appointed by the Chief. Class size is limited, and priority will be given to persons living or working within the City of Hamilton. If you are interested in attending, please complete and return the application by contacting the Public Affairs Section. You will be notified of your acceptance and the location of the Academy. If you have any questions, please contact Sgt. Tom Kilgour at 868-5811, extension 1306, Officer Dave Crawford at 868-5811, extension 1156.