Applicants needed for Camarillo's Citizen Academy

The Camarillo Police Department is inviting interested residents to sign up for the 16th Citizen's Academy program, which begins Tues., Feb. 27.

The 12-week course gives citizens an overview of the police department's function and operational procedures.

There will be presentations by a superior court judge, K-9 officer, S.W.A.T. team members, bomb squad, narcotic officers and many others.

Participants will also have the opportunity to meet Camarillo's station commander and take a comprehensive tour of the police station.

There will be field trips to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (main jail) and juvenile hall, Sheriff's dispatch and the crime lab (CSI), the Sheriff's Training Academy, and heliport.

Participants will also go on a ride-along with a patrol deputy.

Anyone interested in attending the Citizen's Academy may obtain an application at the Camarillo Police Station or online at www.camarillocp.com.

Potential candidates must be at least 21 years of age, live or work in the Camarillo area, have no felony convictions and no misdemeanor convictions within one year of applying.

Classes will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and will be held in the community room at the Camarillo Police Station.

For additional information, call Camarillo's crime prevention officer at (805) 388-5130.