Citizens Police / CSI Academy
Fighting Crime Through Education; Building New Friendships; Partnering with the Community
The Southern Pines Police Department will begin the next Citizens Police Academy very soon. This is a great opportunity for the community to meet the Police Officers, Telecommunicators and Support Staff who serve and protect the Town of Southern Pines. Classes will be held at the Southern Pines Police Department, 450 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines. Call 910-692-2732 for more information and details.
The intent of the Academy is two fold; first to give participants a “behind the scenes” look at how the department operates, and second, to build closer bonds with the community. This program does not to train citizens to become police officers but will give those students who are considering a career in law enforcement an opportunity to see what police work is all about. Highlights of the program include demonstrations by the K9 Unit and Special Teams, as well as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) techniques. Throughout the program, students will process a mock crime scene and present their case to an independent panel for review and the issuance of a simulated arrest warrant. Class participants will be afforded the opportunity to ride with an Officer while on Patrol and will have the opportunity throughout the program to ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about the law enforcement profession.
The academy is open to citizens who:
• Are sixteen (16) years of age or older
• Are a resident of or business owner in Southern Pines
• Have no felony convictions
• Have no misdemeanor convictions within one (1) year of application
• Have no pending criminal charges
The requirements listed above may be waived or modified upon review and approval of the Chief of Police. A criminal background check will be completed on each applicant prior to acceptance into the academy.
Interested in attending? Pick up an application at the Southern Pines Police Department, located at 450 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, or log on to www.southernpines.net. Download the application and bring it to the above address or mail it to the Southern Pines Police Department at: P.O. Box 330 Southern Pines, N.C. 28388.
Contact the Community Services Coordinator by email or by telephone at (910) 692-2732 for more information. To apply, complete the Citizens Police Academy Application Form (PDF) and mail or bring it to the police department. Applications are also available at the police department. Brochure is available that explains this Academy.
Schedule
Session 1 - Introduction
Session 1 includes a welcome to the Citizens Police Academy by Chief Letteney. The discussion includes the purpose of the Academy and an introduction to the mission, vision, history, and structure of the department. Class schedules and other department information is distributed.
Session 2 – Patrol – Crime Scene Photography
Session 2 focuses on the different functions and services of the Patrol Division. Included is an overview of Patrol techniques, the Field Training and Evaluation Program, Accident Reconstruction and DWI detection and arrest.
CSI - A lesson will be conducted in Crime Scene Photography and processing a mock crime scene. Students will photograph a mock crime scene in accordance with the proper evidence collection protocols.
Session 3 - Communications
Session 3 is centered on the department’s Communications Division and includes an overview of the communications architecture used to support public safety communications needs. The discussion includes a description of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, the North Carolina Division of Criminal Information (DCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Crime Information Center (NCIC) systems. The department’s capabilities to communicate on matters of public safety with the community, as well as with other public safety organizations nationwide, are introduced.
CSI - A lesson in preserving and collecting foot print evidence from a crime scene will be given. Students will identify process, cast and collect a footprint impression at a mock crime scene.
Session 4 - Specialty Teams
Session 4 introduces the participant to the department’s Special Teams. This session includes a field trip to a firing range where participants are allowed to join members of the Special Response Team (SRT) on the range for live-fire exercises. Additionally, the SRT provides a demonstration on tactical entry skills.
CSI – During the execution of a mock search warrant, students will recover evidence and properly process this evidence utilizing the skills they have learned in the previous classes
Session 5 - Investigations
Session 5 covers the Investigation Division. A tour of the Division is provided and the presentation includes film footage of undercover drug purchases as well as hands-on viewing of seized contraband. The discussion includes crime scene processing and evidence collection and laboratory analysis.
CSI - Crime Scene processing of latent fingerprints will be presented by the Investigations Division. Students will locate latent fingerprints at a mock crime scene, and preserve and recover these fingerprints using basic fingerprint lifting equipment and techniques.
Session 6 - K-9 Unit
Session 6 introduces the department’s K-9 teams to the class. K-9 handlers and their dogs provide demonstrations on the skills and abilities of police work dogs.
CSI – Students will participate in a simulated search for narcotics using a K-9 from the Southern Pines Police Department. Any evidence recovered will be processed by the students using the skills they have learned in previous classes.
Session 7 - Graduation
Session 7 is a celebration! The class participates in a graduation ceremony to include presentation of certificates, photos and refreshments. Participants are reminded that, while this may be the end of the Citizens Police Academy, it is the beginning of an enhanced relationship between the class and the Southern Pines Police Department.
CSI - Presentations by the class to an independent panel. The independent panel will determine if “probable cause” exists for the issuance of an arrest warrant.
During the seven week course, participants will be offered the opportunity join a police officer on patrol during a scheduled ride along.