HUNTINGTON BEACH : Sessions Teach Police Procedures to Citizens

About 30 men and women have graduated from the Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy, a weeklong session that gives residents a chance to ride along with police officers, watch demonstrations by police dogs and learn about investigations.

Those who complete the sessions receive certificates and kudos from Police Chief Ronald E. Lowenberg. “Controlling crime and maintaining a safe community is everybody’s business,” Lowenberg said.

Academy participants, he said, now have a “greater appreciation of what police do to keep our community safe.”

The program is taught by officers who share personal insights on a variety of law-enforcement topics.

“It’s truly a positive experience for both the Police Department and for those who attend,” said Police Lt. James Cutshaw. “They are citizens who wanted to learn more about who we are and what we’re doing.”

Cutshaw said the participants, who either live or work in the city, also see firsthand the challenges that law-enforcement officials face in the community.

The goal of the academy is to teach citizens about community-oriented policing, a concept of law-enforcement agencies and the community working together to combat crime.

“It embraces the community as a partner in how to deal with longer-term problem-solving,” Cutshaw said.

Three sessions have been held since the program started last year. A fourth session, to begin this month, is already filled and has a waiting list.

Those who want to participate in the next session, to begin in September, may contact Cutshaw at (714) 536-5932.