The details
The academy, which is free, begins Sept. 19 and runs until Nov. 15. Meetings will be held once a week from 6-9 p.m. at the police department, located at 609 Dallas Drive. To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must:
- Live or work in the city of Roanoke
- Be at least 21 years old
- Agree to attend at least seven of the nine classes in order to graduate
- Complete a 4-hour ride with a police officer
- Pass a background investigation
The background
The academy is designed to provide education and working knowledge of the police department to Roanoke residents, business owners and those working in the Roanoke community, according to information from the department's website.
Roanoke Police Sgt. Ryan Otero, who assists Roanoke police officer Tanner Mahan in coordinating the program, said each week will have a different instructor and topic. This will be the 19th class for the academy, Otero said. The academy has room for between 18-24 students.
Class sessions include criminal investigations, traffic law and accident investigation, DWI laws and investigation, drug identification and investigations, North Tarrant Regional SWAT and K-9 usage. Academy students will receive instruction by certified police officers and other expert instructors.
Through the academy, the department aims to help citizens better understand decisions made by the Roanoke Police Department and increases relations between the police and the community, its website states.
