Citizens Police Academy The Citizens Police Academy is a Medicine Hat Police Service outreach program intended to provide community members with the opportunity to learn more about their local police service. Through a series of lectures, hands-on learning and practical demonstrations provided by police personnel, participants will gain an understanding of the MHPS, its role, daily operations, as well as increased awareness of current policing issues and community safety concerns. The Academy concludes with an official graduation ceremony where participants who have successfully completed the program will be presented with a participation certificate.
Class Information
The course is hosted in the MHPS Community Boardroom and runs weekly on Wednesday evenings, for approximately three hours, for eight consecutive weeks. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and successfully pass a security clearance check. There is no cost to participate. Class size is limited to 20 participants.
Course Syllabus
These presentations will be interactive and provide insight into the diverse nature of policing in Medicine Hat. Topics covered will include but are not limited to:
- Overview of police uniformed operations
- Overview of specialty teams including; Tactical Arrest and Control Team, Explosive Disposal Unit and Crisis Negotiators
- Major Crime Investigations
- Community Safety Initiatives
- Community partnerships including; Police and Crisis Team, Safe Families Intervention Team
- Victim Services
- Employee Wellness Programs
- Emerging Crime Trends
- Firearms and Control Tactics
- Canine Demonstration
Participant Selection Process
Each community has its own policing needs and participants are selected to reflect the broadest possible range of individuals who have a significant role within the community, based on their employment and or affiliations. Efforts will be made to ensure a diverse class based on age, gender, ethnic or religious backgrounds. We encourage participants who have an interest in police related issues or work alongside police to apply, this includes; community leaders, police family members, members of the media and those interested in a career in law enforcement or future police volunteer opportunities.
Note: For those interested in learning more about policing as a possible profession this program could be helpful however the Citizens Police Academy is NOT intended to train people to be police officers and will not be considered as part of the MHPS recruiting and selection process. Please refer to the Medicine Hat Police Service Recruiting Page for more information.
How to apply?
Applications for the fall 2024 CPA have now closed. Those who applied and are selected to participate will be contacted.
For more information contact:
Sgt. Carissa Witkowski
Training Unit
Ph: 403-952-5642
Email: carwit@mhps.ca