VPD Now Accepting Citizen's Police Academy Applications

The Visalia Police Department is now accepting applications for the Citizen's Police Academy.

The Citizen's Police Academy is a ten-week course designed to acquaint the public with the inner workings of the Visalia Police Department. The Citizen's Police Academy is open to anyone who meets the participation requirements and successfully goes through the screening process.

All instructors are Visalia Police Department personnel trained in various areas such as Police Ethics, Crime Scene Investigation, Homicide & Burglary Investigation, K-9, SWAT, Bomb Unit, Patrol Procedures, Traffic & DUI Procedures, Gang & Narcotics Enforcement, and Crime Prevention.

For those interested in being eligible to become a "Volunteer in Police Service" (VIPS) at the end of the ten weeks, successful completion of the Citizen's Police Academy will serve as a prerequisite.

Upon successful completion of the course and a background investigation, participants will have the option to be sworn in as a VIPS, ready to assist in essential non-hazardous duties.

Some of these duties will include administrative and office functions and field operations such as community events, parades, traffic control and DUI checkpoints.

An informational meeting for interested community members will be held on Tuesday, March 3 at 6 p.m. at Visalia City Hall Council Chambers, 707 W. Acequia. Classes are scheduled to begin in May.

Applications are available online through March 23 at https://agency.governmentjobs.com/visalia/default.cfm.

For more information, call Community Outreach Coordinator Rebekah Jones at (559) 713-4370, or Sgt. Mona Whaley at (559) 713-4161.