HPD holding civilian training courses

HOUSTON The 33-hour block of instruction provides a comprehensive overview of each division within the department as well as training in the following categories: emergency communications, crime prevention, family violence, vice, narcotics, bomb squad operations, hostage negotiation, S.W.A.T. team operations, shoot-don't-shoot exercises, post shooting trauma, debriefing recognition, criminal prosecutions, homicide investigations, gang recognition, and juvenile crimes. Students also will get the opportunity to ride along with a police.

The courses are meant to educate civilians about the police department and police activity. Students are then expected to share their experiences with family and friends so they, too, could improve the efficiency of law enforcement in their neighborhoods.

"The department, in turn, becomes more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the participants' interactions and inputs," according to a statement issued by the Houston Citizens' Police Academy. "It is a two-way learning experience."

The HCPA is held twice a year. The next class begins September 2, and will be held at Houston Police Department Headquarters, 1200 Travis, 77002, 22nd floor. The HCPA class meets every Thursday evening from 6-9pm for 11 weeks.

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