Hello everyone. I wanted to start this month by talking about the terrible incident a couple of weeks ago that was of huge media interest. For those of you that didn’t see the news or read the papers, a gay man was assaulted by another male where homophobic comments were used, the victim suffering facial injuries that required hospital attention.
The whole incident caused quite a stir on social media, however some comments were not justified surrounding the police handling of the case. I wanted to speak to the victim before giving any reply or update as I thought it only right to clarify the situation and to get his perspective on things. Well, I had the chance to speak with him recently, and I can tell you that he is recovering well from his ordeal. The investigation is still in its early stages and there is much work left to do, however the victim has no issues or concerns with how he has been treated either by the original attending officer or from the detectives subsequently investigating the incident. I have had the opportunity to read the report and to speak with the detectives, and I am happy to say that I am satisfied that this incident is being handled with all the diligence and professionalism that one would expect.
In light of some comments, it got me thinking that perhaps there was a lack of knowledge out there regarding the police service as a whole, and so I wanted to take this opportunity to give you some information about the Citizens’ Police Academy.
The Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) is a Calgary Police Service (CPS) initiative that encourages citizens to learn more about their municipal police service. The Academy is hosted by civilian volunteers, CPS civilian employees and police officers.
What is the purpose of the Academy?
To increase citizens understanding of the CPS, its role, daily operations, police limitations and powers by:
• Presentations, followed by open discussions with police officers, CPS volunteers and various representatives from specialty units.
• Hosted tours of Calgary police facilities.
These presentations provide insight into the diverse nature of policing from a Calgary perspective from the various units across CPS. At the conclusion of the program participants will graduate from the Academy and receive a special address from the Chief of Police accompanied by their own course certificates. For those interested in learning more about policing as a possible profession this program could be helpful.
How do I apply?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to successfully pass a Security Clearance Check.
To apply for the Academy applicants must:
• Attend the Calgary Police Service’s Westwinds Campus (address below) and show two pieces of government-issued identification (one of which must have a photo).
• Attend the Police Information Check Unit service desk and ask for a Police information check -Citizens’ Police Academy application to be completed on site and submitted (there is no charge to apply for this security clearance).
• CPS staff will process the security clearance.
• Current volunteers with the Calgary Police Service who wish to participate need only to call the Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre.
Please note:
Applicants must complete this Security Clearance Check even if they hold an existing/current Security Clearance issued by the CPS or any other agency. Due to this unique program offered by the CPS, the sensitive nature of its content and the secure area in which the program is held, a higher level of security must be met.
Additional information
The Academy is free of charge and runs twice a year, usually the fall and winter. It is a progressive course that runs for a 12-week period and weekly on Wednesday evenings for about three hours.
Location
Calgary Police Service’s Westwinds Campus
5111 47 St. N.E., Calgary, AB
Contact us
Chief Crowfoot Learning Centre
403-428-8960
Hopefully this information will be of interest to you. It is an opportunity for you to come along and see what policing is all about without having to commit to a career in law enforcement. However, who knows where it will lead!
Please stay safe, take care of each other, and feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.