UB Police Department Reaches Out to Community with Citizens' Police Academy

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Police Department will hold its annual Citizens' Police Academy starting Feb. 9. The seven-week program, which gives members of the public and university community an in-depth look into the working life of a police officer, starts at Bissell Hall on UB's North Campus before moving to other locations during the course.

There are a limited number of spots available to members of the general public.

"Our third-annual Citizens' Police Academy is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and members of the greater community to take an inside look at policing and actually experience what being a University at Buffalo police officer is all about," says Gerald W. Schoenle Jr., UB police chief.

Schoenle says the department is looking for a good mix of participants interested in how the university police force operates and the role of its officers in the justice system. "The seven-week program culminates with a ride-a-long with a veteran police officer and a graduation ceremony," Schoenle says.

Classes are conducted in an interactive setting taught by University Police officers and other public safety professionals. Subjects taught include fire and first aid, New York State penal law, traffic and accident investigations, criminal and crime scene investigation, and family offenses and domestic violence. Participants will have the opportunity to take part in several hands-on activities, along with the end-of-the-course ride-a-long.

Classes will take place Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for approximately three hours. Classes are non-credit bearing for UB students.

For questions and applications for the Citizens' Police Academy, go to http://upolice.buffalo.edu/ or e-mail Lieutenant Dave Urbanek at Urbanekd@buffalo.edu.