Full Notification

August 27, 2012, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) will hold a
graduation ceremony and celebration for its 33rd Citizens Police Academy.

This is the largest graduating class in the history of the program. Forty-five community members successfully completed the 14-week course.

The Citizens Police Academy is a community program offered to members of the public who live or work in Oakland.

The free course provides an opportunity for participants to learn about Police Department operations as well as the policies and procedures that drive those operations. During the course, students had conversations with command staff, police officers, dispatchers, and field technicians. They took tours of the crime lab and dispatch center and participated in ride-alongs with patrol officers and evidence technicians. Students are walking away with a clearer picture of what it takes to be a member of the police force in Oakland and a better understanding of police work in general. “There are very few programs that provide more practical and beneficial involvement to Oakland as a whole and the Police Department specifically” said graduating student, David Peterson.
“The Citizens Police Academy is the best way for community members to get a clear understanding of what police work is really all about. I encourage anyone who lives or works in Oakland to take advantage of this opportunity” said Chief of Police Howard Jordan.

The graduating students began the 14-week course on April 16, 2012 and will be addressed by Chief Jordan during the graduating ceremony.

Monday’s graduation ceremony will take place at 6:00 PM, at OPD Eastmont Substation, located at 2651 73rd Avenue in east Oakland and will be followed by a small reception.

For more information please contact Lea Rubio at 510-238-3156 or email: [email protected] or contact the Media Relations Office at 510.238.7230 or [email protected].