Bergen County Sheriff Announces Citizen's Police Academy

The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office said enrollment is now open for the ninth class of the Citizen’s Police Academy, a nine-week course designed to give the public a working knowledge of law enforcement policies and tactics.  Bergen County residents 18 and older are eligible to participate.  

“I have spent my career working hard to protect Bergen County residents, and a large part of that work involves building positive relationships with the community,” Sheriff Michael Saudino said.  “Our Citizen’s Police Academy gives residents firsthand knowledge of the important work police do in their towns to enhance public safety and prevent crime.”

BCSO’s Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to educate participants on the functions of the Sheriff’s Office and the role the agency plays in Bergen County.  The academy is offered in a classroom-style format with demonstrations of equipment and tactics used by law enforcement.

Participants learn about the tools and strategies officers use in a broad range of areas including homeland security preparedness, the Medical Examiner’s Office, gang violence awareness, homicide investigations, K-9 patrol and detection, criminal investigations and ballistics. 

The next police academy class will begin on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.  Class meets once a week and concludes with a graduation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011.

The deadline to register is Sept. 15, 2011 and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  To register, please visit our website at www.bcsd.us and click on Community Outreach > Adult Programs or click here to download an application. 

For more information, please contact the Community Outreach Unit at 201-336-3540.