Rhinelander Police Department announces return of the Citizen’s Police Academy

The City of Rhinelander has announced it will be holding a Citizen’s Police Academy this spring. It will run for nine weeks, starting March 5 and ending April 23. The participants will meet one night per week, usually on Wednesday evenings, between the hours of 6 and 10 p.m.

“The Citizen’s Police Academy is designed to provide students with an insight into the everyday activities that occur in law enforcement,” according to a Rhinelander Police Department press release. “This program is intended to develop a strong community bond that will strengthen our community and give citizens a desire to become more involved with community policing. Rhinelander police officers will teach citizens about firearms, defensive and arrest tactics, patrol procedures, drug investigations, criminal investigations, and operating while under the influence. Students will also complete a four-hour ride-along with Rhinelander police officers. In addition, we have added a night of training with the Rhinelander Fire Department.”

Any interested citizen who resides in the City of Rhinelander, owns property or a business, or works in the City of Rhinelander, is encouraged to apply. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and must not have any criminal records. Background checks will be conducted. The Rhinelander Police Department does reserve the right to accept or refuse any application.

There is no cost to apply for this program. Applications can be obtained at the police department or by visiting rhinelanderpd.gov.

The Citizen’s Police Academy is limited to 12 participants, so the earlier applications have a better chance of being selected as a participant.

“Community involvement is the most powerful, efficient and practical force any law enforcement agency has in its fight against crime,” the release states. “It is through this partnership that crime prevention can be more effective and successful.”

For more information on the academy, contact Sgt. Chad Brown or Detective Sgt. Brian Colombino at the Rhinelander Police Department, 715-365-5300.