NOPD Citizen’s Academy needs you!

The New Orleans Police Department, under the leadership of Superintendent Ronal Serpas, will host its next Citizen’s Police Academy beginning in the upcoming weeks after Carnival Season. The purpose of the Citizen’s Police Academy is not to teach members of the community to be police officers; however, it is an opportunity for community members to gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of the NOPD.

The Citizen’s Police Academy serves as a component of Superintendent Serpas’ community policing programs. Participants learn about the criminal justice system and how they can work with law enforcement to address community problems.

The course includes several interactive programs and provides the opportunity to form new partnerships with members of other neighborhoods as well as the NOPD. Former attendees have found the experience to be invaluable. Several notable members of the criminal justice system served as speakers, such as D.A. Leon Cannizzaro, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, Superintendent Serpas as well as Criminal Court judges.

Previous classes met on Wednesday evenings, from 6pm-8pm, for 12 weeks and participated in a graduation ceremony upon completion.

Please consider participating in this important and rewarding endeavor. Requests for applications or additional information can be sent to Sergeant Jonette Williams at jrwilliams@nola.gov.