Citizen's Police Academy

The Citizen's Police Academy was started in 2004 and this program provides an opportunity for the Town of Lexington community to learn firsthand about the various operations of the Lexington Police Department.

Activities

Through a series of presentations, field trips, and simulated activities, attendees are provided an experience to gain a better understanding of the role of local law enforcement in their community. The course instruction will be administered by police department personnel. The curriculum includes an overview of police operations and organization, introduction to community oriented policing, patrol functions, criminal investigations, narcotics and many other aspects of the department.

Benefits

This program is mutually beneficial to the attendees and the Lexington Police Department as it builds relationships and creates a cadre of citizens who are better informed about the many realities of police work and the work that officers do each day in their community.

Course Duration

The Citizen's Police Academy is an annual program that typically begins in early March with meetings on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. over the course of 10 weeks with one week taken off for Spring Break. The program ends with a graduation ceremony and catered dinner for attendees and their families. Participants who successfully graduate may then apply to be part of the Volunteers In Police Services (V.I.P.S.).

Requirements

Participants must be a minimum of 18 years of age and the priority for considerations for reside or work in the Town of Lexington, and pass a criminal history background check. Each class will be limited to a maximum of 25 students and a minimum of 10 students.

The application can be downloaded online, completed and returned for consideration.

Please contact Sergeant Cameron Mortenson at 803-518-1504 or by email at cmortenson@lexsc.com for more information.