“We are getting ready to present the 2016 Citizens Academy for the local residents and those that work within the town,” Snowflake-Taylor Police Lt. Bobby Martin noted at the Aug. 4 Taylor Town Council meeting.
“This is a free program designed to give the citizens of both Snowflake and Taylor an opportunity to get an inside look at their police department and law enforcement operations,” according to a flyer advertising the program.
The Citizens Academy will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday beginning Sept. 7 at the Snowflake Fire Station, 325 W. Fourth St. South.
Lt. Martin explained that the Snowflake-Taylor Police Department (STPD) is partnering with the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) to present the program. Instructors will come from both agencies.
“This will give a much better understanding of what our law enforcement officers are, what we’re capable of doing and what we’re not capable of doing,” said Lt. Martin, adding that participants will get a first hand look behind the scenes.
The academy will give citizens an idea of the goals and aspirations of the STPD.
Academy participants must be at least 16 years of age, and those under 18 years of age will require a parent/guardian signature on the application, reside or work in the towns of Snowflake and Taylor, have no prior felony arrests, have no misdemeanor arrests within the previous five years and undergo a background check conducted by STPD.
Registration forms are available at the Taylor and Snowflake town halls, the STPD and online at ci.snowflake.az.us/departments/police-department.
The goal of this program is to provide a greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’s role within our communities.
“It is a great chance to get behind the scenes one-on-one and figure out what’s going on,” said Lt. Martin.
