Officers at Hampton Police’s Community Relations Unit are inviting faith-based leaders to its fourth annual Minister’s Citizen Police Academy.
The 12-week program begins Jan. 9 and “is designed to educate citizens in an effort to improve communication between citizens and police and dispel misconceptions the community may have about the police,” officials said in a news release.
“No doubt, ministers are in a unique position in our community to affect change…in many ways, their position can kind of impact the hearts and minds of others,” said Reggie Williams, a spokesman for the Hampton Police Division.
Williams said the unit hopes to receive about 15 to 20 registrants for the course where officers and Commonwealth’s Attorney will present information about the division’s mission, personnel and hiring practices, officer safety techniques, and more.
“Students of the Minister’s Citizen Police Academy have the opportunity to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the Police Division, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the policies and laws that guide an officer’s decisions,” officials said on the academy’s website.
There are no costs associated with the once-a-week academy but those interested must register by Jan. 3 and successfully pass a “thorough background investigation conducted by the [police] division.”
Classes start on Jan. 9 and are scheduled on Thursdays until Mar. 26. For more information or to register, click here.
