The Citizen Police Academy is returning next month to provide a firsthand look at the Ocala Police Department’s day-to-day operations, and local residents have until the end of this week to apply.
The academy will allow citizens to learn about all of the departments within the Ocala Police Department, and participants will also take part in a variety of law enforcement activities.
Several topics will be covered throughout the academy, including patrol operations, use of force, criminal investigations, forensics, and more.
The academy will be held on Monday nights, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., beginning on October 16 through November 20. Each two-hour class will be held in the community room at the police headquarters, which is located at 402 S Pine Avenue in Ocala.
“LAST CALL! There are (just a) few more slots left to join our Citizen Police Academy!” stated OPD in a social media post on Wednesday.
The deadline has been extended, and those who are interested in participating in the academy must submit an application by no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, September 15.
There is no cost to attend the academy, and it is open to Ocala/Marion County residents who are at least 21 years of age. All participants must pass a background check.
For more information, contact Community Liaison Tara Woods via phone (352-369-7182) or email (twoods@ocalapd.gov).