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

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo Police Department holds its annual Citizens' Police Academy starting Wednesday, Feb. 13th. The seven-week program, which gives the university community an in-depth look into the working life of a police officer, starts at Bissell Hall at the university's North Campus before moving to other locations during the course.

"Our fifth-annual Citizens' Police Academy is an opportunity for students, faculty and staff 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. chief of UB's Police Department.

Schoenle says the department is looking for a good mix of all campus groups, all 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-along 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.

This year's program also includes the appropriate use of force, police investigations, a day in the life of a UB police officer and operating emergency police vehicles. Students participating in the program will have the opportunity to take part in several hands-on activities, along with the end-of-the-course ride-along.

Classes will take place Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for approximately three hours beginning Feb. 13th. The class size will average 20 students, and is open to students, faculty and staff. Classes are non-credit bearing for university students.

For questions and applications for the Citizens Police Academy, please refer to the web site for additional information http://upolice.buffalo.edu/ . Or look for us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/UBPolice. Or e-mail Lieutenant Dave Urbanek Urbanekd@buffalo.edu with any questions.