The Dallas Police Citizens Academy Class #48 graduated on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the Dallas Police Department’s Basic Police Academy. Approximately 30 individuals completed the bilingual class. The Citizens Police Academy (CPA) students have given up personal time away from their families over the last six weeks to learn about important topics such as domestic violence, gangs, narcotics, and more.

In addition, the CPA Class #48 component included two field trips, one to the Jack Evans Police Headquarters and the second to the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center. The classes were made possible thanks to the generosity of The Bachman Recreation Center who allowed us to use their facilities and computers.

A good relationship between residents and police officers is critical in today’s climate. Most importantly, maintaining education and empowerment within the community is critical to having a strong relationship. One of the advantages and benefits of participating in our Citizens Police Academy is that it helps to humanize police officers through positive interaction and dialogue. This leads to a better understanding that it takes everyone to help make our city a better place. Furthermore, the majority of our students want to continue serving as Dallas Police volunteers after graduation which makes it a great value to our department.

Chief Garcia and Executive Assistant Chief Albert Martinez welcomed and awarded the students with certificates followed by a potluck luncheon with the students and families.

Congratulations again to all our graduates!

-dg