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I've been thinking of signing up for the Citizens Police Academy here in Grand Prairie for a while. Just curious if anyone had sat through the 3 months of Thursday nights and what you thought of it. Actually, if you've been through anything similiar in your city/town I'd be interested to hear what you thought of it.

I was also wondering if there were any rules against concealed carry during the class. If so, how did you deal with this? Leave the carry gun in the car is one option, not carrying to the class is another (not likely for me though, I'd probably skip the course completely, rather than not carry to/from at night).

The class is supposed to meet at the Charles V. England Public Safety Center. I figured I'd drive by in the next couple days and check out the front of the building for 30.06 signs, etc.

Thoughts?

Any info would be appreciated...thanks.

My wife and I went through the one in Grapevine. Definitely worth it, especially since we had an interest to volunteer at the PD afterwards.

As for carrying while taking the class, long story short - in Grapevine we were given notice not to carry at the beginning of the first class. We didn't get into the "why" part of that mainly because I didn't want to disrupt the first class, but I assumed it was because there was a court in the same building.

I found out later I could have pressed the issue, and could still today, but don't want to because I have to work for these guys and don't want it to become one of those issues that affects my or my wife's abilities to continue building the trust required to take on more responsibilities over time. I can't carry while I'm driving around, and I spend so little time in the building that to me it's not worth making a big deal out of it.

I'd find out from the instructor beforehand if you'd be allowed to carry in the class. Of course a question like that could lead to an answer that serves as effective notice not to. Either way that works out, don't worry about it. You'll learn a lot in class and you will likely meet some good people who may become good friends over the next 3 months and beyond.

thanks for the great reply...just what i was looking for...

sounds like i'll get by the building, see if anything is posted and what else is in the place...then if its not posted and is okay according to the law, just not bring it up...

thx much

My wife and I have attended the CPA in Jefferson County. Since the classes were in the Jefferson County Jail Complex carry is prohibited. The classes are well worth the time.

I'm going to play dumb here, but what are these classes for, and what do they teach?

I am glad you asked BigBlueDoge I was wondering the same thing. In fact, I have never heard of one.

-geo

Here's an overview of what you'd cover in the Plano Citizen's Police Academy: http://www.plano.gov/Departments/Police ... cademy.htm

I'd assume that most of the programs in other cities are fairly similar.

Thanks, that was very interesting. I would like to attend something like that, also. I don't know if they have anything like that out here where I am, but I am going to look into it.

-geo

I think they are mostly alike, here's a link, not much info but it gives the basic info:

http://www.grandprairietimes.com/printe ... 0_storycat

Thanks for the reply's...:-)

Earlier this year I completed the Citizen's Police Academy for Harris County Constable's Precinct 4. I'm glad I did it, made good contacts and look forward to future opportunities. The classes might be less interesting than the opportunities later such as helping with airborn law enforcement, search and rescue, crime deterrent activities. It allows volunteering that helps many people directly or indirectly.

Like Mojo, I went through the CPA in Jefferson County, and joined the alumni association afterward. The course was absolutely worth the time invested--we got to drive police cars with ALL the lights and sirens going, and shoot .38s with the police department paying for the ammo!! I've met some really cool folks (like Mojo and Mrs. Mojo!), and highly recommend it.

I was just reading about this same thing for Lewisville the other day and mentioned to my wife that I was interested. There is a class on 2 Saturdays that we already have plans for as family members are getting married, so it depends on the times if it will work out to me.

I have been attending the CPA in Kerrville and am due to "graduate" next week.

I feel that this is a worthwhile project for police departments. It teaches the average citizen a lot of interesting facts and shares experiences that they don't get sitting at home and watching the Forensic Files or cop shows.

It also helps reinforce a basic fact of citizenship. The police draw their power from the citizens. They do not rule independently.