Ottawa County Sheriff's Office
Citizen Police Academy
Citizen Police Academy is currently full.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office began its inaugural Citizen Police Academy (CPA) in 2009. It gave a chance for a small group of business and community leaders an inside look at law enforcement. During the Academy, citizens visited the Sheriff’s Office to be introduced to:
- Overview of the Ottawa County Sheriff Office
- Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol
- Tour of the Ottawa County Correctional Facility
- Tour of the Ottawa County Central Dispatch
- Undercover Investigations (Narcotic)
- Marine Patrol/Dive Team duties
- Sheriff’s K9 Patrol duties/demo
- Sheriff’s E-Unit duties/demo
- Criminal Scientific Support Unit (CSI)
- Use of force – explanation and demonstrations
- Firearms, Range and Simulator
- Sheriff’s Office Special Operations (CRT TEAM)
- Criminal Justice Legal System
- Accident and Fatal Accident Investigations
- Community Policing
Academy classes are taught by Sheriff’s Office personnel. Students will have the opportunity to meet with the Sheriff, and they are encouraged to ask questions throughout the program. The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office hopes there will be a greater awareness and understanding of Law enforcement's role in the community through the education provided by the Citizen Police Academy.
2011 Academy Schedule
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office is offering the Citizen Police Academy September 14, 2011 - December 7, 2011. Classes meet once a week for twelve weeks. Classes are held on Wednesday’s from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The last session of the Academy is graduation. Classes are held at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Fillmore complex 12220 Fillmore St.
Entrance Requirements:
Potential candidates for the Citizen Police Academy must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum age of 18
- Live or work in Ottawa County
- No Misdemeanor arrests within one year of application
- No prior felony arrests
The students will also have the opportunity to ride with a Deputy to get a glimpse of what a typical patrol night might be like in Ottawa County.
Enrollment is limited to approximately twenty five students per session.
For more information on the Citizen's Police Academy and the selection process please call the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Lee Hoeksema (616) 738- 4041 or Sergeant Valerie Weiss (616) 738-4622
Download and print the application by clicking here.
Complete your application on-line, or fax your completed application to (616) 738-4062.
