Elk Citians can soon learn about the police from the inside.
According to Assistant Police Chief John Cook, the Elk City Citizen’s Police Academy isn’t intended to make attendees police officers.
“It’s an outreach to the public,” Cook said. “We want to give citizens a behind-thescenes peek at how the police department operates.”
The program will take applications until February 28. The application is online at the ECPD website through the City of Elk City’s website, or the QR code on the flyer at the ECPD Facebook page will take you directly to the police department website.
Classes begin March 13 at Western Technology Center’s Elk City campus.
Classes meet from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays for 10 weeks and will alternate between WTC and the Elk City Police Department Gun Range to allow citizens handson weapons experience.
The class is open to adults 18 and older without a criminal record who live, work, or own property in Elk City.
Cook also said that he wants to open lines of communication with the public, and he wants the public to be more familiar with the police officers.
“These guys live in town and have kids who play ball at Ackley Park, and getting to know them makes a more cohesive community,” Cook said.
Cook compared the police department to any business. “We offer a service, and our service is trust,” Cook said.
He’s hopeful that the Citizens Academy will strengthen the bond between the public and the police department.
For more information, contact Cook at 580-225-1212.
