Received the message below in an email today. I just completed this training, and I believe it is an excellent investment in time for anyone within the LGBTQ community. I strongly urge everyone to consider taking this training course which is free.
Often, I meet people within the LGBTQ community who believe the police force is 100% homophobic, or who don’t understand how the police work and the interaction between the 911 call center an the police. Take this program, and gain a whole new perspective!
For me, I was surprised that I wasn’t the only LGBTQ person in my training class. There were several of us, and everyone, regardless was welcome and all input appreciated. I really appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and offer opinions from a queer perspective which were always well received.
Many positive steps have been made to improve the relations between the Pittsburgh Police and the LGBTQ community. For example, the Delta Foundation has sought to include Public Service in the Pride March and PrideFest. Additionally, the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Board has established a LGBT Police liaison to work with that group. Persad has done great work too in this area, and other groups have sought out to educate and n with the police. You too can help develop a meaningful and supportive relationship between the community ad the police through your involvement in a training such as this.
PITTSBURGH CITIZEN’S POLICE ACADEMY
Twice a year, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police sponsors an opportunity for members of the community to become closely acquainted with the roles and responsibilities of the Police Bureau. The Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police Academy brings the police and the community close together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant.
Participants receive three hours of training one evening each week in many of the varied functions of law enforcement. They experience some of the highlights of police training and are exposed to the operations of the police bureau. Participants are taught the basics of criminal law, search and seizure, patrol tactics, firearms and many other subjects. They learn about the processing of a crime scene, how police canines are used, and are exposed to many of the specialty police units. CPA participants meet and talk with many of the street officers as well as the command staff and training staff that serves them. All this takes place in a safe and entertaining training environment.
Instructors are law enforcement professionals who teach both veteran and recruit police officers. Students leave this training with a greater understanding of the police mission and with an increased ability to see how the police serve the community.
This program is not an accredited certification course to become a sworn police officer.
Class size is limited to 30 participants. All interested persons must give permission for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police to conduct a background check to determine if they have a criminal record.
The next Citizen’s Police Academy course will begin on Monday, February 4, 2013, at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, located at 616 N. Highland Avenue in the Highland Park/East Liberty neighborhood of the City. The program will be held each Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for 15 weeks. Please return applications by U.S. mail or hand-deliver to the Pittsburgh Police Training Academy. The Citizen’s Police Academy application can be found at http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/police/citizens_police_academy.htm. All applications must be received by January 25, 2013.
For more information on the City of Pittsburgh Citizen’s Police Academy, please contact Lieutenant Jennifer Ford at:
Pittsburgh Police Training Academy
1395 Washington Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412)665-3600