The purpose of this Citizens Academy is to acquaint members of the community with the role of the Police Department and the function of the judicial system in a classroom setting.

The academy is intended to open lines of communication between the community and the police department. By allowing citizens a firsthand look at the police department and how its operations are handled, citizens can take away a better understanding of the police department’s role in our community.

This Citizens Academy will familiarize citizens with the operations of the police department. Including classes on patrol procedures, ie; criminal law, narcotics, search and seizure, tactical operations, investigations, juvenile law, use of force issues, and other demonstrations. Come learn what officers encounter on a day-to-day basis.

The first Citizens Academy will be March 13-16, 2024. Classes will meet at the Forks Police Department on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a final practical application day on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by wrap-up and Graduation.

Academy instructors are police officers, Department personnel, and guest speakers from all local agencies – including Police, Sheriffs, Tribal, Fish and Wildlife, City Attorney, Judge, Prosecutor, and others. Each instructor teaches in his/her area of expertise and has years of training and experience.

This first Citizens Academy will be limited to 20 people – aged 13 and above. Spots will be filled on a first come first serve basis through email only. Send your name and contact phone number to Joe and Linda Offutt at jolinda83@centurytel.net. If you cannot commit to all four sessions, please wait for the next class. A waiting list will be started for those who want to take the next class and you will be contacted when those dates are approved.

This activity is offered to the community free of charge.