FAQs
What is a Citizens’ Police Academy?
A Citizens’ Police Academy is an opportunity for our residence to learn how the Hanford Police Department functions and what some of out operational procedures are. The program uses a mix of lectures and hands-on experiences. The intent is to provide our residence with an overview of what it is like to be a police officer in the city.
Who presents the program?
The program is led by officers and staff members within the Hanford Police Department who have been selected to provide instruction to the members of the class about the area where they have expertise.
Who can participate?
During the academy, participants will be exposed to a few of the facets of law enforcement that few ever get to see or experience. Because of this, there are some restrictions on those who will be accepted for participation in the program.
To participate you must be:
- At least (21) years of age
- A resident or work within the City of Hanford
- Willing to undergo a background check
- Not convicted of any felonies and not convicted of a misdemeanor in the past year
How to apply to participate?
To apply for the academy, complete the application and bring the signed form to the Hanford Police Department. Once received, the application will be processed, and a cursory background check will be completed. Applicants are asked to commit to attending at least five (5) of the class presentations.
When is the program presented?
The Citizens’ Police Academy takes place on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. This program is conducted at the Hanford Police Department and other department buildings within the city.
The Citizens’ Police Academy covers the following topics:
- Communications- Criminal Justice System
- Investigations- Patrol Operations
- Traffic Enforcement- Accident Investigation
- Use of force-Crime Scene Investigations
What will participants learn?
- Learn how a police investigation is conducted
- Understand what specific laws require drivers to follow
- Learn how officers investigate a traffic collision
- Identify the indicators of drug use and abuse
- Identify what common street drugs and paraphernalia look like
- Understand how evidence is collected and processed
- Participate in use of force exercises
- Meet members of the criminal justice community
What is the agenda for the program?
Session 1 – Program Overview/Introductions/Tours/ID badges
Session 2 – Criminal Justice Overview
Session 3 – Traffic operations
Session 4 – Investigations Overview
Session 5 – Use of Force/Force Simulator
Session 6 – SWAT/K9
All participants are required to perform a four-hour ride-along with an officer before the end of the academy session.
When does the next academy start?
Thursday, September 19.
Contact Sergeant Raymond Dias