The Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) is currently accepting applications for its fourth iteration of the Community Police Academy. The department invites all students, faculty and staff to apply for this free four-week program designed to give community members an idea of what it is like to protect and serve the campus community.
“The Community Police Academy has been a focal point of our community engagement efforts,” says Associate Vice President and DPS Chief Craig Stone. “The goal of the program is for the participants to leave with a better understanding of DPS policies and procedures while also gaining practical safety skills.”
The Fall 2023 Community Police Academy saw 17 members of the campus community graduate. Throughout the program, the participants took part in an expansive curriculum that included crime scene investigation, fire safety training, traffic control, CPR basics and defensive tactics for self-protection.
Fall 2023 CPA graduates along with Chief Stone and instructors from DPS (Photo courtesy of DPS)
“We have continued to evolve the curriculum of the Community Police Academy,” says Officer George Wazen, Community Police Academy Coordinator, “We hope to welcome another group that is excited to learn more about DPS and have fun while doing it.”
For the Spring 2024 semester, the program will run for four consecutive Wednesdays starting on Feb. 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Lyman Hall. Dinner will be provided all four weeks. To learn more and apply, visit dps.syr.edu.
