California Police Chief- Fall 2013 CPCA_2018_Spring Magazine_Final | Page 23

Topical areas of instruction include neighborhood
beat policing/patrol and investigative procedures, force
options (and de-escalation), SWAT, police service dog
(K-9) operations, traffic enforcement, maritime patrol,
Unmanned Aerial System program, crime prevention,
crime scene investigation, the Office of Professional
Accountability purpose, Procedural Justice, Principled
Policing, basic criminal laws and civil procedures.
Participants are also obligated to take part in several police
ride-along experiences with beat officers.
Upon program completion, participants are conferred
the title of “Community Safety Ambassador” during a
commencement ceremony. Accordingly, they accept the
charge to share with other residents what they’ve learned
and experienced, including the internal workings of the
RPD, our Community Policing philosophy and scheme,
and guiding principles. It is our hope that graduates will
inspire others with safety recommendations learned during
the academy. This course is not designed to train residents
to be police officers, but rather to be knowledgeable about
the police service, and how to engage with police and
neighbors to enhance community safety.  ■
SPRING 2018 | California Police Chief
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