Citizens Police Academy

This academy is designed to educate local leaders by immersing them in the latest police and fire training, tactics and education. Attendees are given a front seat, hands on, behind the scenes dynamic view into the real world of Community Policing, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics Investigations, Fire Safety and Suppression, Traffic Enforcement, Use of Force, Bomb Squad, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and Canine Unit. This seminar is designed to be completely interactive with participants getting the opportunity to not only learn about what Public Safety does, but take an active role in all aspects of this exciting and challenging profession.

As important as the emersion into the world of Public Safety is, participants often comment that the opportunity for real and relaxed dialogue with officers, provides them with some of the most important insights. This academy also benefits Public Safety officers in that it allows them to speak with community leaders and understand the public's perceptions, ideas and solutions to community issues.

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Testimonials From Past Graduates

The 2-day participation in the academy allowed me to walk in the shoes of the many different jobs our KPS officers perform each day.  It also gave me a better appreciation and understanding of what our KPS officers encounter during their work day in our community and how they have to be quick with their decision making skills for each situation they find themselves involved in.  

 I want to " Thank you " for the opportunity to be a part of such a very important program and I hope it continues.

 Melba Colca

 Although there were many things that I came away with after attending the Citizen Leadership Academy offered by the Kalamazoo Public Safety Department, one of the most important things was the human factor. That Public Safety Officers are human beings. They raise families, they pay bills, they attend church, they feel the pressure of their job, they have good days and bad days, they live and breath and deal with life in and outside of work just like the rest of us while performing a most difficult job.

 Buddy Hannah
Host of Talk It Up Live
1560 AM and 95.5 FM The Touch

 After taking the Fire Training segment I emailed a friend of mine who is a volunteer firefighter in Cooper. I told him I have a whole new appreciation for what he does, and what a great service he is doing for his community. It was great to see so many officers relaxed and just being people, after all they are (exceptional) people. It is nice to see them around town and recognize them from those two days. It helps you feel more personally connected to the department and you realize how much they are part of our community. I feel they are more approachable. I'm also glad it is not me having to make the quick decisions required of them in the performance of their jobs.

 Geary North