Bend Police Department prepares for 42nd Community Academy, encourages citizen participation

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Bend Police Department's 42nd Community Academy is slated to kick off once again this April, and the department is encouraging community members to participate.

According to the agency, the academy is designed to offer an inside look at policework and how BPD operates. The goal is to inform and educate participants about how our local police officers carry out their work.

Each class focuses on different aspects of law enforcement. Classes meet once a week for 11 consecutive weeks from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings beginning in April and ending in June.

There is no charge to participate. 40 students will be accepted per session with priority given to those who live within Bend city limits.

Those interested are asked to submit the Community Academy Application online by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 27th. Click here to view the application and to learn more.

Read the full press release below:

"The Bend Police Department invites community members to apply for its 42nd Community Academy beginning in April.   

Community Academy will take place from April 7 through June 16, with 11 classroom dates and one range day on Saturday, May 9.

Our Community Academy is designed to offer an inside look at policework and how the Bend Police Department operates, with a goal of informing and educating participants about how local police officers carry out their work.  

Each class focuses on a different aspect of law enforcement, from patrol and investigations to nonsworn roles like records and evidence. During the Community Academy, participants will also learn about specialty assignments, including traffic, K9s, the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team, and the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team. The program also offers a behind-the-scenes look at issues like mental health and officer survival. Classes are taught by officers and staff who have expertise in each specific area.  

The class will meet once a week for 11 consecutive weeks, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. The Community Academy can accommodate 40 students per session. There is no charge to participate in the Community Academy. Preference is given to those who live in Bend city limits.  

Learn more by visiting the Bend Police website.  

To participate, please complete and submit the Community Academy Application online. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on March 27."