SUBJECT: KPD Accepting Applications for Upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy
DATE: January 21st, 2025
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department announces that applications are now being accepted for an upcoming class of the Citizen’s Police Academy. KPD’s Citizen’s Academy is open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and either reside or work within the city limits of Kingsport.
The Academy is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Classes will then meet on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the month of March with the final class being on Monday March 24th. Each class will run 2 to 2 ½ hours in duration. A graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, March 31st, 2025.
KPD emphasizes the Citizen’s Police Academy is not designed to prepare citizens to become actual police officers. However, it will give them a chance to walk a few steps in an officer’s shoes and experience what it might be like to serve in law enforcement. The goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of the law enforcement field. Citizen’s Academy classes include an interesting mixture of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and hands on activities.
Topics include:
1. An introduction to KPD with a tour of the Justice Center.
2. Collision and DUI investigations.
3. Crime Scene Investigations
4. The Bomb Squad
5. The Police K-9
6. Patrol Operations (to include traffic stops and building searches)
7. Use of Force
8. SWAT ( Special Weapons and Tactics)
The deadline to apply for the program will be Wednesday, February 10th 2025. Anyone interested in participating in the Citizen’s Academy needs to submit a new application even if one has been previously submitted in past years. A background check will be conducted on applicants prior to final acceptance in the program.
To download an application please visit https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/programs_for_citizens/. Applications may also be obtained at the Record’s Division window. You may return completed applications by mail or drop off to the Kingsport Police Dept. Attn Professional Standards Unit 200 Shelby St. Kingsport, TN 37660. Completed applications may also be Faxed to (423) 343-9749 or scanned and emailed to Professional Standards Lieutenant Justin McConnell at JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov. For questions regarding the Citizen’s Police Academy please contact a member of the KPD Professional Standards Unit at (423) 229-9300.
RELEASING OFFICER
Lieutenant Justin McConnell
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9499, Fax (423) 343-9749
JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov