2008 Citizens' Academy

Sponsored by: Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and Kelso & Longview Police Departments

Thank you for your inquiry about the Citizens’ Police Academy. The below information should assist you in deciding if you would like to participate.

Once again the Longview and Kelso Police Departments have joined forces with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office to offer a countywide Citizens’ Police Academy. The academy will start March 5, 2008 and is ten weeks long with classes being held every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The purpose of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to develop citizen awareness and understanding of the role of law enforcement in our community and an opportunity for law enforcement to hear from you. Those eligible to attend must be at least 21 years of age and work or live in the Cowlitz County area. Applicants can have no felony convictions. Misdemeanor arrests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  Applicants must pass a background check conducted by law enforcement.

Courses include: community relations, patrol function, K-9 programs, property crimes, gang enforcement, narcotics investigation, probable cause issues, special investigation units, firearms, search and seizure, landlord/tenant law, court process, DUI investigations, traffic law, criminal investigation and defensive tactics.

The use of firearms and firearm safety may also be offered. Those interested in the hands-on portion of the training can participate in live firing at the police range. Participants are encouraged to ride with a patrol officer from one of the agencies for a minimum four-hour period. Participants are required to attend all classes however, the Academy Staff may grant excused absences on a case-by-case basis.

Our commitment is to provide the best possible instruction for each topic. Instructors will include members of the Longview Police, Kelso Police and the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, as well as other members of the local criminal justice community.

Please return your completed application by February 22, 2008, to the Longview or Kelso Police Department or Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. For further information contact Sgt. Khembar Yund (KPD, 423-1270), Sgt. Ed Jones 442-5800), or Deputy Darren Ullmann (CCSO, 577-3092).

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