Citizens' Police Academy FAQ
The Dalton Police Department conducts a Citizens’ Police Academy once a year.
Adult Citizens' Police Academy (21 years of age and older)
The Citizens' Police Academy is offered to community members who are interested in learning more about how their police department operates and the policing challenges our city faces. Participants in each session commit to meeting for three hours one night per week, for ten weeks, to learn about each aspect of the department.
The purpose of the Citizens' Police Academy is to develop positive relations between the police and community through education. The goals are to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have the potential of influencing public opinions about police practices and services. Attendees will gain an appreciation of the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments and ideas regarding solutions.
Subjects covered during the academy are as follows:
- History of the Dalton Police Department
- Youth Issues
- Firearms Policies/Use of Force
- Patrol Division
- Search and Seizure/Laws of Arrest
- Department Tour
- Observer Ride-a-longs with Officers
- Criminal Investigations
- Gang Problems
- Motor Vehicle Enforcement
- Communications
- Items of interest to participants
These are just a few of the subjects covered.
To participate in the academy, you must be a resident of the city of Dalton, business owner in town, or otherwise have a vested interest in the city, be 21 years of age, and a United States citizen. Participants will be chosen at the discretion of the Chief of Police and will represent a cross-section of the community. There is no fee.
The next Citizens' Police Academy is tentatively set for Fall 2021. For more information, call Lieutenant Steve Zahn at 706-278-9085 ext. 9105 or email at szahn@daltonga.gov.
Submit an online application here: Citizens' Police Academy Application
