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Crime & Safety

Sign Up for the Citizens Police Academy

What's it like to be an Atlanta Police Officer? Find out for yourself by signing up for the Citizens Police Academy, starting Oct. 3.

Sign up for the Citizens Police Academy, beginning Oct. 3 and running through Nov. 14. You can learn how the Atlanta Police Department (APD) operates through class courses in crime scenes, a department overview and a ride-along with police officers as they work their beat, according to a press release.

The Citizens Police Academy includes more than 30 hours of instruction taught in three-hour sessions. You have to commit to three hours, one night a week, for seven weeks. Classes are held every Wednesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Herbert T. Jenkins Atlanta Police Academy, 180 Southside Industrial Parkway, Atlanta.

You have to live in the metro Atlanta area, be at least 21 years old, and have no felony or misdemeanor convictions within the past year. A standard background check will also be completed.

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The APD has adopted a community-oriented philosophy and relies upon community input and collaborative problem-solving strategies. Besides learning what it’s like to be a police officer, you can also give feedback to the APD.

With more than 1,959 sworn officers, the APD is the largest law enforcement agency in Georgia.

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Sessions fill up quickly, so sign up soon. Contact Sgt. C. Hannula in the Community Services Division for an application at channula@atlantaga.gov or 404-546-7511.

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