ABOUT:

The Oak Ridge Police Department is accepting applications for its next Citizen’s Police Academy which is set to begin in August.

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Applications for the program were due by Friday, Aug. 4 at 5 p.m.  Applications are no longer being accepted for this fall's course.

 

Classes meet weekly on Tuesdays from Aug. 22 to Oct. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

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During the 8-week course, students will learn the policies and procedures of the Oak Ridge Police Department and experience firsthand how the department operates. The Citizen’s Police Academy provides insight into law enforcement generally, and the Oak Ridge Police Department specifically, with the goal of creating and developing a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning police practices and service delivery.

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Students will get to know their officers and understand the challenges the job brings, through classroom lectures, hands-on experience, and real-life scenarios and role play. Students will also participate in a ride-along with officers during a patrol shift to observe how officers provide police services to the Oak Ridge community. They are exposed to the same training that all Oak Ridge Police Officers receive.

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The academy is open to adults aged 18 and up. Selection will be on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if the class becomes full, priority will be given to Oak Ridge residents. Classes have filled up quickly in previous years. Due to the law enforcement-sensitive training and handling of weapons, a criminal history check will be done by the department. A release of liability form will be required for admission to the program.

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When the application period is open, they can be completed online, printed and filled out, or picked up at the Records Division of the police department at 200 S Tulane Avenue in Oak Ridge. Applications can be submitted by mail or dropped off in person. The mailing address for the Oak Ridge Police Department is P.O. Box 1, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. Please add “Attention Shannah Newman” to any mailings.

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Once accepted, a schedule and list of locations for the class will be distributed. A $50 administrative fee will be due on the first night of class. For questions or more information, please contact Lt. Shannah Newman at snewman@oakridgetn.gov or by phone at (865) 425-3501.