Citizens Police Academy Kicks Off

The 11th Annual Citizens Police Academy kicked off last night at the , with more than 40 local residents from Acworth and surrounding communities as well as city employees showed up for the opening session.

The Citizens Police Academy has been the Acworth Police Department's effort to reach out to the community, and educate the public about the department as well as the criminal justice system in general.

Mayor Tommy Allegood, City Manager Brian Buthius, Alderman Tim Richardson spoke at the beginning of the session about the significance of the police department and the academy.

At the two and half hour session, officers presented citizens with basic information, including rankings and duties of different positions and policing units. Students also got an idea on what to expect in future classes.

When the program first started 11 years ago, the only few people attended the academy were city employees, according to Acworth Police Chief Michael Wilkie. Wilkie said there have been more applicants than the program can accommodate in recent years, which indicates the academy has been a success.

The Academy will be held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. (except for the week of Spring Break) and end on May 17. During the 12 weeks participants will have the opportunity to interact with officers and receive a basic understanding of the operations of the Acworth Police Department.