Yuma Police Department accepting applications for new academy

2023 Citizens Police Academy will give Yuma an opportunity to see how the police department works

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department (YPD) announced they will be holding the 2023 Citizens Police Academy and is accepting applications, no fee is needed.

This academy is made to educate Yuma residents on how the YPD operates and will have two separate academies on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

The twelve-week-long academy will offer "hands-on" instruction and classes such as a driving course, firearms training, building searches, decision-making scenarios, K9 demonstration, Crime Scene Processing, Narcotics, Gangs, Animal Control, Driving Under the Influence, and Traffic Laws.

YPD said participants will be given a tour of the department and have to complete a ride-a-long with an officer.

Classes will start on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 and Wednesday, January 11, 2023 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., classes may end at 10 p.m. said YPD.

These classes will be held at the Yuma Police Department located at 1500 S. 1st Avenue and at the Public Safety Training Facility.

The graduation ceremony will be on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 and Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

Applicants must be 21-years-old or older and pass a background check, the class sizes are limited to 14 participants each night due to scenario-based training stated YPD.

Academy applications can be picked up at the YPD records window or you may request an electronic copy sent through email.

Applications are due on Monday, December 5, 2022 or until 28 participants have been filled.

For any more questions about the program, you can contact Sergeant Lori Franklin at 373-4732 or e-mail Lori.Franklin@Yumaaz.gov, or Officer Christina Fernandez at 373-4746 or email Christina.fernandez@yumaaz.gov