Citizen Academy

The Camarillo Citizen Academy provides community members with an inside look at local law enforcement. During the Academy training, participants will be introduced to a variety of topics as described under the curriculum outline below.

The 12-week Academy course is designed to give citizens an overview of the police department's function and operational procedures. The curriculum and teaching methods are similar to the traditional Police Academy. However, the weekly sessions are not designed to train the participant as a police officer.

Academy classes are taught by police officials and veteran police officers. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Police Commander and staff members. Academy members are encouraged to ask questions as well as express ideas and concerns to police employees.

Citizen Academy participants are selected by the Camarillo Police Commander through an application process. Applications are available at the Camarillo Police Department. Enrollment is limited per class.

Potential candidates for the Camarillo Citizen Academy must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum age of 18 years
  

• Live or work in Camarillo
  

• No felony convictions
  

• No misdemeanor convictions within one year of application

Any requirement may be waived or modified upon review and approval of the Police Commander.

The Camarillo Police Department plans to offer two Citizen Academy sessions annually, usually in February and September. Classes are held on Tuesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Camarillo Police Department.

SESSION 1
Introduction by Chief of Police/City Official
History of Camarillo Police Department
Tour of the Police Station

SESSION 2
Criminal Justice System in Ventura County
Superior Court Judge
District Attorney Office
Public Defender Office

SESSION 3
Criminal Investigations
Patrol Procedures
Bomb Squad

SESSION 4
Sheriff's Transportation Bus
Tour of Main Jail and Juvenile Hall

SESSION 5
Crime Analysis
Youth Services
Camarillo Citizen Patrol

SESSION 6
Major Crimes
Traffic Investigations
Disaster Assistance Response Team

SESSION 7
Internal Affairs
Narcotics

SESSION 8
Tour of Crime Lab/Property Room and Sheriff's Communications Center

SESSION 9
Tactical Negotiation Team
SWAT

SESSION 10
Tour of Sheriff's Academy and Air/Helicopter Unit

SESSION 11
Special Enforcement Detail
K-9 Operations

SESSION 12
Citizen Academy Graduation
Comments/Photos with Chief of Police and Mayor
Presentation of Certificates/Lapel Pin
Refreshments

(The actual sessions may vary due to instructor availability.)

The Citizen Academy requires a commitment of one night per week, three hours per session, plus an "optional" ride-along with a patrol deputy. Each participant will be allowed only two absences from the program to graduate. Persons selected to attend the Citizen Academy will be notified by mail at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes. For additional information about the Citizen Academy, please call the Crime Prevention Unit at 805.388.5130.

The 21st Citizen Academy starts September 15, 2009.

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