BELLA VISTA, Ark. — The Bella Vista Police Department's (BVPD) Citizens Police Academy will be returning in 2024.
The academy allows participants to get an inside look at the operations of a police department, according to a release from BVPD.
"The program is an attempt to inform and educate the community about issues related to law enforcement, especially local law enforcement, and works to foster a relationship between police and the members of the community the officers are sworn to protect and serve," the release said.
The program lasts 10 weeks with one meeting per week on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Bella Vista Police Department.
BVPD says that the academy will offer participants a dive into all kinds of police duties.
"Comprehensive instruction will cover various topics, including patrol duties, dispatch communications, crime scene investigation, narcotics and K9 operations, firearms training and more," the release said.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon graduating on May 7 and are encouraged to become department community ambassadors.
Class size for the spring 2024 session, which begins Feb. 27, is limited to 20 people. Applications for the session are now being accepted, with a Feb. 6 deadline.
In order to qualify for the academy, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have no criminal record. BVPD says that attendance is important, and participants may be disqualified for missing two or more classes.
For more information, visit the department’s website, email Cpl. Haley Lyons at hlyons@bellavistaar.gov, or call 479-855-3771.
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