Locals Graduate From Citizens Police Academy

The City of Fairfax Police Department graduated its most recent class of citizens this month.

According to the department, "The Citizens Police Academy offers a unique opportunity for interested citizens to learn about the role of the Police Department and its many functions, services and capabilities."

Police academy students learn about a variety of police functions from traffic enforcement, to forensics, to firearms and defense tactics, and more.

Initiated in 2007 by Col. Richard Rappoport, Fairfax City's current Chief of Police, the objective of the Academy "is not to train individuals to be 'police officers' but to produce informed citizens," the department said.

"Citizens and police officers meet face-to-face in a neutral, friendly setting, so each group develops an understanding of the other," the department explained.

The City of Fairfax Police Department will hold another Citizen's Police Academy in 2014.

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