The Town of Ogden Police Department will once again offer their Citizens Police Academy (CPA) beginning on Wednesday evenings at the Ogden Community Center, 269 Ogden Center Road, Spencerport beginning January 16, 2002. The class will meet for 11 weeks.

The CPA provides the citizens of the Town of Ogden with information about the criminal justice system and with a greater understanding of the policies and procedures of the agencies that make up this system. The ultimate goal of the Citizen Police Academy is the reduction of crime through a stronger citizen commitment to the police department and the community. This is accomplished through a series of classes involving instruction by police officers from the Town of Ogden Police Department, guest speakers from outside criminal justice agencies, as well as off-site field trips.

It is their earnest hope that the more information and understanding shared among the citizens of Ogden and it's criminal justice community, the less suspicion, fear, and misunderstanding will exist, say department officials. Many conflicts arise simply due to a lack of understanding. A cooperative sharing of information and perspective between the citizens and the members of the law enforcement community can only enhance a positive relationship. During classes, the participants are encouraged to ask questions and give feedback concerning the operation of the police agency. Additionally, citizens bring a wealth of knowledge about community and, particularly, the problems in their neighborhoods. In this way, police are able to learn firsthand the concerns of the citizens, according to Ogden Police representatives.

The curriculum will consist of topics that will cover major areas of the criminal justice system with the County of Monroe. These include basic and in-service training, criminal investigations, patrol procedures and special enforcement teams. Other topics will include New York law and legal procedures as they apply both to police officers and to the citizens of this county. The judicial procedures and processes will be examined as to how they apply to both law enforcement personnel and to citizens.

Anyone with an interest in understanding how the criminal justice system works in the Town of Ogden and Monroe County is invited to attend. This includes neighborhood watch block captains, business groups and religious leaders.

For information or to sign up to attend, call the Ogden Police Department, 352-2131 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.