The Alhambra Citizens is a program for residents (18+ years of age) that provides an inside look at the Alhambra Police Department and all facets of local law enforcement. The classes are held at the Alhambra Police Department, 211 South First Street, Alhambra.

The Alhambra Citizens Police Academy

During the Academy, students are introduced to police operations.  Academy sessions, including such topics as criminal and civil law, patrol procedures, crime scene investigation and others, are taught by veteran law enforcement officers. Students are even invited on a "ride-along" with a patrol officer on regular duty. 
 
Click here to view page about the "Citizens on Patrol" program.

For additional information about the Citizen Police Academy, call
the Crime Prevention Office at (626) 570-5177, or visit the Alhambra Police Department, 211 S. First St., Alhambra, and pick up an informational brochure and a Citizens Police Academy application form.  
 

Alhambra Citizens Police Academy
Course Curriculum

Week #1
Introduction of Class
Role of the APD in our Community & Tour of the Police Facility

1. Student introductions are made. Time is allocated for each student to state
   their expectations and/or reason for attending the CPA. The Chief of Police
   and CPA staff will introduce themselves and their respective curriculums.
   Time is allotted for questions.
2. An overview of the CPA goals & objectives will be explained.
   (Completion of "photo IDs, etc.)
3. Chief of Police will explain the department's role in the community.
   Budget, staffing, allocation of resources, and current community programs
   will be highlighted.
4. Students will be given a tour of the police facility.

Week #2
Constitutional, Criminal & Civil Law

1. Criminal acts, arrest procedures, "Miranda" rights, probable cause, and
   the major differences between criminal and civil law will be explained.
   An emphasis will be placed on how police officers must operate within
   the framework of the U.S. Constitution when conducting criminal
   investigations.
2. Points of discussion will include the role of the police in the criminal justice
   system, crime classifications and punishment, landmark court decisions
   involving searches & seizures, and private person arrest procedures.

Week #3
9-1-1 & Police Communication Systems

Representatives from the Communications Center will explain how emergency and non-emergency calls for service are prioritized and dispatched. The role
the public safety dispatcher plays in the handling of service calls to insure
officer and public safety, will also be emphasized. Students will be given an
in-depth tour of the communications center.

 Week #4
Selection & Training of Police Officers

The Personnel and Training Section will explain the application and selection process for Alhambra Police Officers. POST requirements and police academy training and certification will be explained as well as Alhambra's Field Training program.

Patrol Operations

Officers from the Operations Division will review their responsibilities,
which consist of police patrol response, patrol deployment and tactics,
and the role of patrol support sections.

Week #5
Officer Safety Scenario Exercises

Patrol officers will give the students the opportunity to "walk in their shoes"
during this class session. Officer safety concerns and issues will be presented
to the class through a series of "interactive" scenarios. Students will have a
better understanding of why police officers "do what they do" when handling
calls for service. The session will include a brief memorial to fallen law enforcement officers. 

Week #6
Community-Oriented Policing

1. The COPS team will introduce the Department's community-oriented
   policing philosophy and community partnership. The "Broken Window
   Theory" and "SARA" problem-solving model will be explained.
2. The Crime Prevention Office will review crime prevention practices & programs.

Week #7
Criminal Investigations

Alhambra Police Detectives will discuss the basic responsibilities when conducting a criminal investigation. Students will be introduced to crime
scene investigations and the equipment used by investigators to identify
and gather evidence.

Week #8
Use of Force, Police Weapontry and Firearms

1. The Use of Force Policy will be the topic of discussion, including the historical evolution of the policy, legal and moral issues that are inherent in an officer's decision to use deadly or non-deadly force.
2. Range Staff will introduce students to the lethal and non-lethal weapons
   and their use in the APD arsenal. Students will be given the opportunity to
   participate in a police training course using a standard service weapon
   and shotgun.

Week #9
Traffic Enforcement and DUI Investigations

Students will receive instruction on motor vehicle laws and accident
investigation. There will be a discussion on impaired driving and its
impact on the community and the individual arrested for DUI. FSTs and
the breath machine will be demonstrated.

Week #10
Contemporary Issues: Narcotics and Youth Gangs

1. Current events in law enforcement will be discussed.
   Discussion will include the procedure for an Internal Affairs Investigation.
2. The relationship between drug, gang and crime in our community will be
   explored. Instructors will detail the APD response to these occurrences in
   our community as well as educate the students as to what to "look out" for
   in their neighborhoods.

Week #11
Graduation Dinner