Program offers inside view of Yale Police Department

Yale University Police Department (YPD) will offer a spring session of Citizen’s Police Academy beginning March 26. The six-week class aims to introduce community members to the inner workings of the Yale Police.

Participants will get an insider’s look at investigative services (in “CSI vs. Reality”), and learn about patrol procedures, personal safety, emergency preparedness, and firearms. In addition to a tour of the facility — including the state-of-the-art communications/technology — they will meet Eli, the bomb detection dog, and listen to an FBI presentation. The course incorporates classroom training and hands-on activities.

The academy is free of charge and is open to members of Yale and the New Haven community.

One past participant commented: “I have even more respect for what the YPD faces and the work they do every single day. It’s hard to choose a favorite part of the academy … the information was so interesting that we asked a lot of questions and wanted to hear more.”

Another class member especially enjoyed getting to know the officers, noting “how candid they all were — willing to share personal experiences.”

The course will meet on Tuesdays, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., March 26-April 30. Classes will take place at the Yale University Police Department, 101 Ashmun St.

A two-step registration process is required. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. First, applicants should fill out the online application and registration form. The YPD will contact each applicant to arrange for a criminal history check. The permission form for the criminal history check and waiver of risk form is on the Citizen’s Police Academy website. Upon completion of the process, an email confirmation will be sent by YPD verifying placement in the academy.

The registration deadline is Monday, March 18. Space is limited; participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Those with questions should contact Lieutenant Von Narcisse at 203-432-4402 or von.narcisse@yale.edu.