The Citizens’ Police Academy is a 14-week instructional program for members of the community who are interested in learning more about the Police Department and its functions. The curriculum includes classes on Community Policing, Crime Prevention, Crime Scenes, Major Crimes and Homicides, Officer Safety, Patrol Procedures, Domestic Disturbances, Drug Recognition, and Ethics. Students get to observe a K-9 demonstration and SWAT demonstration. Guest speakers from the State Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office are invited to speak about the laws of arrest, legal and illegal searches, probable cause, Miranda rights, and deadly force. Students get to experience a Firearms Training Simulator and they take a tour of the Dade County Jail.

Participants meet once a week in the evenings. A preliminary background investigation is conducted on all applicants prior to attending the course. There is no cost to attend. The Citizens’ Police Academy is a prerequisite for the North Miami Citizens’ Mobile Patrol.

Any North Miami business owner or resident who would like to learn more about the Citizens’ Police Academy can contact the Community Policing Unit at 305/891-0294, Ext. 3200 for more information.