YPD accepting applications for Citizens Police Academy

Now’s your chance to learn what it takes to be a police officer. The Yuma Police Department ( YPD ) is now accepting applications for the 2020 Citizen’s Police Academy.

The academy teaches Yuma citizens about the YPD’s day-to-day. Citizens have the chance to learn about the department and get some ” hands on ” instruction on the daily life of a cop.

Participants will get a tour of the department and must complete a ride-along with an officer.

Classes include: driving, firearms training, building searches, decision-making, K9 demonstration, crime scene processing, narcotics, gangs, animal control and traffic laws.

There is no fee to attend, but there is a list of requirements to graduate. Preference will be given to City of Yuma residents. You must be at least 21 years old and pass a background check.

There will be two separate academies, one on Tuesday nights on one on Wednesday nights. They begin Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the Yuma Police Department at the Public Safety Training Facility running from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with some nights running until 10.

Graduation ceremonies will be held in March.

The deadline to apply is Friday, November 15, or until 28 participants fill the class.

Applications can be picked up at the YPD records window, 1500 S. 1st Avenue, or you can ask for it via email.

For any questions, feel free to contact Sergeant Lori Franklin at 373-4732 or e-mail Lori.Franklin@YumaAz.Gov , Ofc . Janet Sanchez at 373-4746 or email Janet.Sanchez@yumaaz.gov or PST Edith Ruiz at 373-4731 or email Edith.Ruiz@yumaaz.gov.