The Port Townsend Police Department offers you and your neighbors an opportunity to see a more accurate picture of police work-and the people who do that work for you. They will see samples of illegal drugs and witness a drug detection dog in action. Other topics covered in the eight week course include domestic violence and child abuse investigations, emergency response, DUI and traffic enforcement-and much more. The sessions culminate in a round-table discussion with officers and their families, giving students a personal look into the lives of police officers and the unique challenges they and their families face. In addition to the classroom hours, students may observe firearms training sessions, ride along with an officer on patrol, witness various court proceedings, and learn some basic defensive tactics, just to name a few optional offerings.
Graduates receive a certificate at the end of the program.
College credits may be available. Those who complete the academy may join the department's volunteer corps and assist in routine patrol operations, grants-writing, data entry, records, or special events patrol, among other opportunities. Class size is limited. If you have questions, call Det. Robin Biffle or Ofc.