LEWISTON, ID – The Lewiston Police Department is asking for the public’s help in boosting registrations for this year’s Citizens Police Academy, warning the class may be canceled if more participants do not sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 25.
In a message seeking assistance with outreach, the department said only a small handful of people have registered so far. The original deadline to apply was Feb. 23, but it was extended a few days in what officials described as a final good-faith effort to attract additional signups.
If more registrations are not received by the new deadline, the department said it will have to cancel this year’s academy.
The Citizens Police Academy is designed to educate community members about the criminal justice system, crime prevention and the operations of the Lewiston Police Department. Officials say the program aims to strengthen partnerships between residents and law enforcement and to provide a better understanding of police work beyond what is often portrayed on television and in movies.
The department conducts the academy once a year, offering a 10-session course for up to 20 participants. Classes are held Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lewiston Police Department Training Center. There is no cost to attend, but participants are asked to commit to all 10 weeks. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
The curriculum includes overviews of crime scene investigation, drug enforcement, the Enhanced 911 system, department operations, recruitment and training, the School Resource Program, the SWAT team and other agencies that work with the Lewiston Police Department. The academy also features hands-on presentations, including firearm familiarization and at least a 10-hour ride-along with a Lewiston police officer.
Due to the sensitive nature of the material and ride-alongs, a safety check will be conducted on applicants prior to acceptance. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications are available at the Lewiston Police Department or can be downloaded from the City of Lewiston’s website.
