Pasadena Community Police Academy Opens New Class Thursday

The Pasadena Police Department’s Community Police Academy (CPA) is set to begin its next class on Thursday, Oct. 12, offering community and civic leaders a unique opportunity to gain insights into police operations with a focus on community policing, problem-solving, and partnerships. 

An advisory about the opening of the class said the training offers an invaluable experience, building bridges of understanding and collaboration between law enforcement and the local community.

The Academy is open to men and women who are 18 years of age and older, who live, work or own property in Pasadena; and who have no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions within one year of application. 

The eight-week program covers various topics, including police communication, criminal law, street crime enforcement, and firearms training. 

“The Community Police Academy is designed to educate the  public about how the department works,” Lt. Monica Cuellar, the Pasadena Police Department’s Public Information Office, said. “More importantly, it is a discussion of how to work together  to create a healthier community and build safer neighborhoods. Participants learn about the tools and  resources available to address their questions and concerns.” 

While the academy provides valuable knowledge, it does not train participants as police officers, Lt. Cuellar explained. 

The Community Police Academy offers participants an inside look into the Pasadena Police Department’s operations and aims to promote greater awareness and understanding of law enforcement’s role in the community. The Academy series covers various topics, including police communications, the detective section, air operations, K-9 units, H.O.P.E. (homeless outreach psychiatric evaluation), and youth programs.

Lt. Cuellar said the motivations for individuals to attend the academy vary, although one thing common among most participants is the desire to serve the community in the name of law and order.

“Most people who attend the Community Police Academy are experiencing quality-of-life issues  in their neighborhoods, and business districts, or are curious about the inner workings of law  enforcement,” Cuellar said. “Some even have career aspirations or a keen interest in becoming a volunteer with the  Pasadena Police Department.” 

Throughout the eight-week program, participants are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of the department and the tools available to address concerns and questions.

Past academy sessions have witnessed remarkable moments and success stories. The graduation ceremony on the eighth week is particularly memorable, as participants receive their Certificates of Completion signed by Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris. 

The academy has seen graduates become part of the PPD workforce, Lt. Cuellar said.

“Some of the success stories include our very own Community Relations Program Coordinator, Susana Porras, who is a graduate of the Community Police Academy from 2007,” she said. “Our Community Services Officer, Lou Oronoz, is also a graduate. Our police department  volunteer photographer, Bob Reiter, and one of our chaplains, Harry Kouladjian, as well as the  volunteers from our Financial Crimes Volunteer Team, are also graduates.” 

The Community Police Academy sessions will take place on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting on Oct. 12 and concluding on Dec. 7, with no class on Thanksgiving Day. 

Individuals interested in joining the Community Police Academy Class #54 can sign up through https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4DAAAD2DAAFCC16-45035971-community#.

For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/police/divisions-and-sections/community-relations/community-outreach/community-police-academy.