Would you like to learn more about the inner workings of Grand Junction's Police Department? Here are five reasons why you should consider participating in the fall Citizens Police Academy.

The Grand Junction Police Department is accepting applications right now. According to the City of Grand Junction's official webpage:

The Citizens Police Academy is hosted free of charge in an effort to increase understanding and awareness through interaction, education, and training. The goal of the CPA is to create and develop a well-informed citizen about the inner workings of the GJPD and how officers serve and protect our community.

A good friend of mine participated in this program a few years ago. He's told many times this was the best thing he'd ever done. He was flat out passionate about it. What exactly do they cover with this program? Topics covered will include:

  • Patrol Operations
  • Communications Center
  • Drug Task Force
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Crime Lab/Evidence
  • SWAT
  • K-9
  • Bomb Squad
  • Traffic Investigation and more...

Seriously... Bomb Squad? Yep, that's what it said. The course runs for ten weeks. Meetings are held Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Grand Junction Police Department. The course runs from September 19 to November 21, 2019. The one exception to the schedule will be Wednesday, October 30, instead of Thursday, October 31.

Whenever I hear the words "Police Academy," this is the first thing to enter my mind.

I'm confident the course offered with the Grand Junction Police Department is nothing like that. These are my top five reasons why you should join:

  • It's a closer look at a potential career path you may want to consider
  • Get a deeper understanding of police work and the day to day lives of those in law enforcement
  • Build a stronger appreciation for law enforcement
  • It's a better investment of your time than hanging around the mall
  • Everyone I know who has ever taken this course says it's one of the best things they've ever done.

Class size is limited, so please apply as soon as possible. Before you can participate you'll need to fill out an application. You can download the application or pick up a copy at the Grand Junction Police Department at 555 Ute Avenue. Completed applications can be returned to the GJPD or emailed to Jeannie Lewis at jeanniel@gjcity.org. Selection of participants will be at the discretion of the Grand Junction Police Department. You will receive notification regarding your application and acceptance to the Academy.

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