Chico residents are being encouraged to join Citizens’ Police Academy to experience first-hand police tasks.

The 12 week program gives residents of Chico an experience of the departments’ work.

Ed Nelson, a crime prevention officer and facilitator of the program, said that it’s great for people who may have preconceived notions or think they understand their work or just want to learn about the department.

The academy is for residents to see how the police functions and how they interact with the public.

“It changes people who have many negative views of police officers because the program humanizes the police officer. They are just a man and woman doing their job”, said Nelson.

Residents who are interested may go on a ride along with a police officer, learn of the different departments, and how they work.

Nelson, encourages students to apply because it may benefit for internships and resumes.

The program is one night a week, for three hours, only 30 seats are available. It starts Jan. 11, 2018 and ends March 29, 2018.

Requirements:

• Applicant must be a Chico resident
• 17-years-old or have a parent signature, if younger
• Cannot have any past felony convictions or misdemeanor convictions, within the last year.

  Further information can be reached through Chico Police Departments’ Facebook.

  Guillermo Felix-Alvor can be reached at [email protected] or @FelixAlvoron Twitter.