Archived News Release from 2003

Redwood City's Citizens Police Academy Brings "Real Life" Law Enforcement Skills and Experience to the Community

Redwood City, CA - January 22, 2003 - From forensics to narcotics, drunk driving to SWAT teams, and juvenile crime to K9, the 13th annual Redwood City Citizens Police Academy offers an in-depth, "real life" look at the day-to-day experience of police work. The Academy is a rigorous and exciting 14-week program that is modeled after the State's curriculum for actual police academies.

In addition to fascinating 'classroom' work featuring expert instructors and a variety of genuine police topics and issues, participants will actually go in the "field" Here, they'll get real, hands-on training and experience with live firearms, defensive tactics, high-speed driver training, and more. All sessions are conducted by veteran police officers and other law enforcement professionals.

This is a great opportunity for members of the community to gain a better understanding of the job that our local police department does for the citizens of Redwood City, while building good will and supportive relations between the police and the public.

Each participant receives 40 hours of intensive instruction in a variety of real-life law enforcement activities. There's no sugar-coating or soft-pedaling - it's law enforcement reality, covering virtually every aspect of the roles and responsibilities of the Redwood City Police Department.

The curriculum for the Spring, 2003 session tentatively includes:

K9 Demonstration
Designer Drugs
Traffic
Hiring
Forensics
D.A.R.E.
P.A.L.
Street Crimes
Criminal Law
Communications
SWAT
County Jail Tour
Narcotics
Officer Safety
Use of Force
Drunk driving
Driver Training
Firearms
Defensive Tactics
Role Playing Scenarios

Applications for the Spring, 2003 session, which begins on March 27th, are now being accepted. Class size is limited to 25 participants, so interested members of the public should contact Officer Chris Rasmussen at 650-780-7105 or email crasmussen@redwoodcity.org right away for application information. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and live or work within San Mateo County. This Academy is not intended to train participants for certification as law enforcement officials.

Visit Redwood City's website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business. Redwood City news releases are also available online, at www.redwoodcity.org/news.

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Contact:
Officer Chris Rasmussen
Redwood City Police
650-780-7105