The 2008 Lakeland Citizens Police Academy held graduation ceremonies Thursday evening at the police station where 44 residents were awarded certificates for their accomplishment of completing the academy.
The Citizens Police Academy is a 14-week program designed to introduce participants to the internal workings of the police department. Academy students learn about the various bureaus and components within LPD and the challenging work being performed everyday by our members. More importantly, participants get introduced to our members and understand their commitment to providing professional public safety service to the community.
One recent graduate wrote:
"What I enjoyed the most was watching each week as different ones brought their specific jobs to life as they spoke about what they do for the Department. I could see the pride and excitement that they get from being a police officer and serving this community."
In his keynote comments during the ceremony, Chief of Police Roger Boatner thanked the participants and their families for committing the time required to complete the academy. He challenged them to take their newly gained understanding of police work and share it with their friends in the community.
The 2009 Citizens Police Academy will start in August of next year. We will post something here once the applications are available for the next session.
Congrats again to the new graduates of the 2008 Lakeland Citizens Police Academy!
- Asst Chief Bill LePere
Comments