In
1997 the Columbus Division of Police created the Citizen Police Academy, a free
community education program intended to build relationships between program
participants and the Columbus Division of Police. The program gives members of
the community an inside look at the values, philosophies, and operations of the
Division, while at the same time serving as an open forum for questions,
discussion, and the exchange of ideas.
Since the CPA first began,
approximately 500 citizens have graduated from the Academy. Two CPA are
conducted each year; one in the spring and one in the fall, and participants
meet one evening a week for twelve weeks. Graduates of the CPA become
ambassadors for the Division of Police and spread their knowledge of police
operations with neighbors, community groups, and other associations. A well
informed public enhances officers’ ability to keep our city safe.
Most CPA graduates continue to show their support of the Division of Police by
joining the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) whose mission
is, “We serve the ones who serve.” The CPAAA supports police officers by
providing food for officers working Red, White, and Boom, delivering fruit
baskets to substations on Christmas Day, planting flowers and trees at
substations as part of their “Adopt a Sub” program and by participating in
other volunteer activities for the Division.
Learn more:
https://www.columbus.gov/cpa/