Menlo Park Police accepting applications for Academy program that starts August 28

Updated information: Charleen Manning of the MPPD emailed InMenlo on Aug. 22 that Academy was going to be rescheduled until next year.  “We would like a class of about 25 to 30,” she wrote.  “Our new start date will be February 19, 2014.  This will allow us to get through the holidays and hopefully recruit more applicants.”

The Menlo Park Academy was developed by the Menlo Park Police Department to build partnerships with the community. It offers a transparent overview into the department’s structure, services, and personnel through an educational experience taught primarily in a classroom setting. Classes are lecture-based with class participation and role-playing exercises. Academy participants are not expected to perform actual police officer duties and may elect to not take part in any of the practical exercises.

The Academy is scheduled to begin on Wednesday August 28, 2013 and run through October 16, 2013 (11 weeks). It includes 10 classes and 1 ride-along which will be scheduled by the police department. Participants attend a three-hour class, every Wednesday, from 6:30  to 9:30 pm, and one class on a Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.

Topics covered include:

• Communications
• Crime prevention
• Laws of Arrest/Search and Seizure
• Critical incidents
• Firearms training
• Gangs
• Forensics
• Defensive Tactics
• Hiring process & Training
• Code Enforcement
• Narcotics
• Internal Investigations
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Traffic and DUI enforcement
• Domestic Violence
• SWAT

Academy classes are limited to 25 students. Attendees must be 16 years or older. Applicants will undergo a background check. Applicants previously convicted of a felony will be disqualified. Misdemeanor convictions will be considered on a case by case basis.

For an application and more information, contact Charlie Manning, Academy Coordinator Communications; 650-330-6312; cjmanning@menlopark.org