Zebulon Police Department Citizens Police Academy
Zebulon Police Department Citizens Police Academy
The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is an exciting way to learn about police work. Through a well-prepared curriculum, taught once a week for seven weeks, students will learn about the various aspects of police operations. Academy participants will meet many of the men and women who serve in the Zebulon Police Department as they explain the roles of police officers, investigators, and administrators. Participants will also learn how officers are trained, and how every citizen can help protect themselves and their community against crime.
An important and exciting phase of the Academy is providing participants with the opportunity to leave the classroom and participate in many of the practical exercises. This experience will give the participants a first-hand look at the dynamic world of policing in the twenty-first century.
Interested applicants must submit to a limited background investigation by the Zebulon Police Department that will include a check of their criminal history and driving record. Acceptance into the program will be on an individual basis as determined by the Chief of Police.
Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age by the first day of class, or if under the age of 18, must be a current high school student and provide the necessary parental waivers. Class space is limited, but a waiting list will be held for future classes should the demand exceed available space.
The Citizens Police Academy is an excellent way for community members to become better informed about crime and public safety. It also gives Zebulon residents and other community stakeholders an opportunity to develop working relationships with the Police Department members.
Citizens Police Academy Schedule
February 4 – March 18 | Every Tuesday | 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Order in which classes are taught is subject to change.
WEEK 1 — ORIENTATION / CRIMINAL LAW
FEBRUARY 4
6:00 - 8:30 PM
TAUGHT BY: Interim Chief Bob Grossman, Captain Edwin Killette, Acting Captain Tivon Howard, and Sergeant Brandon Lane.
DESCRIPTION: The first session of the Citizens Police Academy will provide participants with an overview of the Zebulon Police Department. Policies and procedures will be discussed to gain a better understanding of police operations. Students will also have an opportunity to meet the Police Department management team. This session will focus on the roles played by other criminal justice organizations outside the police department, as well as how those entities work hand-in-hand with the police department in the pursuit of justice. Students will also learn about a variety of services available to them through different criminal justice organizations. Students will hear about the three sources of law, comparing and contrasting reasonable suspicion and probable cause, and comparing and contrasting the terms “voluntary contact”, “investigative detention”, and “arrest.” Students will learn about the types of searches an officer may conduct without a search warrant, the legal concepts of custody, interview, and interrogation as they apply to Miranda rights, and the difference between criminal offenses and civil matters. Students will also discuss elements of common crimes.
LOCATION: Zebulon Police Department, 1001 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon. NC 27597
WEEK 2 — INVESTIGATIONS and CRIME SCENE
FEBRUARY 11
6:00 - 8:30 PM
TAUGHT BY: Captain Edwin Killette, Detective Sergeant Jason Bridges, Detective Kerry Burke, Detective Chris Hamm
DESCRIPTION: As with any town or city, Zebulon experiences its share of serious crime. During this block of instruction, students will learn about crime scene processing and how we conduct follow up investigations. The class will discuss some of the strategies and resources officers utilize to suppress and combat this type of criminal activity. You will also be provided more detailed information about drug related crime. Since the use and distribution of illegal narcotics is often the root of many other crimes, and because gangs and drugs generally go hand-in-hand, enforcement is a major priority for the Zebulon Police Department. Students will be provided with information that will allow them to join with police in recognizing and reporting drug related crimes to the police. Students will also be provided with useful information they can share with others seeking to overcome drug addiction.
LOCATION: Zebulon Police Department, 1001 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon. NC 27597
WEEK 3 — WAKE COUNTY BUREAU OF FORENSIC SERVICES
FEBRUARY 18
6:00 - 8:30 PM
TAUGHT BY: Interim Chief Bob Grossman, Tammy Richards, Captain Edwin Killette
DESCRIPTION: During this block, students will participate in a tour of the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, an organization critical to police operations in Zebulon. The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services provide crime scene processing for all law enforcement agencies in Wake County. They have the ability to collect fingerprints and DNA, analyze narcotics, and recreate crime scenes.
LOCATION: Wake County Detention Center, 3301 Hammond Rd. Raleigh, NC 27610
WEEK 4 — TRAFFIC STOPS and CANINE
FEBRUARY 25
6:00 - 8:30 PM WEEK 4
TAUGHT BY: Special Operations Unit—Officer Jackson Oliver, Officer Dustin Elliott, Officer Marcella Abate, Officer Michael Koh
DESCRIPTION: One inherently dangerous task performed by police officers is traffic stops and the subsequent interaction with drivers and passengers. In this block of instruction, students will be presented with basic information pertaining to the actual stop of the vehicle, the environmental dangers faced by the officer, and some procedures for conducting records checks associated with the encounter. Students will also have an opportunity to conduct mock traffic stops during a practical exercise and learn what to do if they are stopped by a law enforcement officer. A portion of this session will provide participants with the chance to interact with “suspect” role players in a variety of practical exercises. Furthermore, this session provides students with a chance to ask questions of K-9 officers who will be on hand to explain police canine operations and conduct demonstrations.
LOCATION: Zebulon Police Department, 1001 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon. NC 27597
WEEK 5 — POLICE USE OF FORCE / BODY CAMERAS
MARCH 4
6:00 - 8:30 PM
TAUGHT BY: Acting Captain Tivon Howard and Sergeant Brandon Lane
DESCRIPTION: A few of the questions answered in this session include: How often must Zebulon police officers resort to force to affect an arrest? How do we ensure officers use only the amount of force necessary? What weapons are issued to and utilized by Zebulon police officers? You will also learn how officers are trained in the use of force and how difficult decisions regarding the use of force are made. Time will be spent learning about body cameras and the implications of their use.
LOCATION: Zebulon Police Department, 1001 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon. NC 27597
WEEK 6 — SIMULATORS
MARCH 11
6:00 - 8:30 PM
TAUGHT BY: Captain Edwin Killette, Sergeant Brandon Lane
DESCRIPTION: Instructors will expose students to scenario-based training, including shoot/don’t shoot response on the FATS machine and with simunitions. When available, students will also participate in a driving simulator that evaluates performance in high risk driving situations.
LOCATION: Wake Tech Community College, Public Safety Campus, 321 Chapanoke Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603
WEEK 7 — GRADUATION
MARCH 18
6:00 - 8:30 PM
TAUGHT BY: All Staff
DESCRIPTION: Students who have completed all blocks of instruction will receive certificates and become eligible to volunteer with future police programs.
LOCATION: Zebulon Police Department, 1001 N. Arendell Ave., Zebulon. NC 27597