Critiques completed by the participants at the conclusion of the Citizens Police Academy are maintained in a permanent file. Keeping the objectives in mind, the members evaluated the curriculum provided to New Castle County Police' Recruits in the basic training academy. Critical topics were identified. Large, time-consuming blocks, such as Driver's Training, were intentionally eliminated due to time constraints. The order in which classes would most logically flow was determined and the amount of time to be devoted to each block of instruction was prepared.
Participants meet each week for eleven weeks.
During the twelfth meeting, a post-test and critique are completed and a formal graduation ceremony is held. Students who attend 75 percent or more of the scheduled classes are eligible to graduate. There is no requirement that a participant pass the post-test. Sixteen blocks of instruction ranging in time from one hour to three hours are taught. The instruction covers a variety of areas including criminal and traffic laws, laws of arrest, the organization of the Police Department, accident and criminal investigation, police operations, use of force, domestic violence, and interpersonal skills.