Citizen’s Police Academy offers inside view of YPD operations

Chief Ronnell Higgins of the Yale Police Department (YPD) invites members of the Yale and New Haven communities to attend its Citizen’s Police Academy, to be held Oct. 7-Nov. 11.

The program is designed to raise understanding and awareness of police operations and responsibilities. The course features both classroom training and hands-on activities. Topics to be explored include investigative services (“CSI vs. Reality”), patrol procedures, personal safety, emergency preparedness, and firearms. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the police facility and view its state-of-the-art communications/technology, and to meet Whitney the bomb detection dog.

This six-week program is free of charge and runs every Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Classes are held at the Yale University Police Department at 101 Ashmun St. Registration is required. Applicants must be 18 years of age and a member of the Yale or New Haven communities. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 1. Space is limited; participation is on a first-come basis.

Former academy graduates have said the following about their experiences:  

“All of the sessions contained a great mix of both interesting and educational information. I perceive the Police Department as a much friendlier place than I thought … and was very impressed with the high level of dedication and professionalism everyone there has.” 

“[The academy] was wonderful … a well-balanced, upbeat, fun experience … a gift to the community.”

“We have an amazing police force, dedicated to public service.”

Registration is a two-step process:

1. Initial registration is online at https://yalesurvey.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7NIlAwHKCQRsFtr
2. Next, complete the written application and risk waiver and submit it in writing to the Police Department. Download the application with risk waiver here.

YPD will contact each applicant to arrange for a criminal history check. Upon completion of the process, an email confirmation will be sent verifying placement in the academy.

Contact YPD Lieutenant Von Narcisse at 203-432-432-4402 or von.narcisse@yale.edu with any questions.