Citizen Police Academy applications available

Ponca City Citizen Police Academy, session 20, is set to begin Jan. 21, 2016. The sessions are held each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The final session will be held on March 31, 2016.

“With so much negativity in this country aimed at police officers, this is a good opportunity for citizens to come into the Police Department, meet the officers and employees, and get a look at what we do and how we do it. Likewise, it is a great opportunity for us to meet citizens in a positive interaction and spend some time with them. This program has been an invaluable part of our operation for a long time, and we look forward to another session,” said Police Chief Don Bohon.

Applicants need to have ties to Ponca City, be at least 18 years of age, and since each session builds on the next, a commitment to attend each of the sessions is required. There is no cost to participants for the program. The course is a blend of lecture, demonstrations, tours and practical applications covering every aspect of the operations of the Police Department. A graduation reception will be held the evening of April 7, 2016.

Applications are available on line at poncacityok.gov or in the lobby of the Police Department at 200 East Oklahoma Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Applications are due back by Dec. 14.