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Apply to Participate in Ann Arbor Citizens Police, Fire & Courts Academy

Archived News Release: December 10, 2019 - ​The City of Ann Arbor is offering the opportunity for an inside look at our local public safety and justice systems. Those 18 years and older who live or work in the city interested in learning about the City of Ann Arbor's Police and Fire departments and the 15th District Court are invited to submit an application to attend the 2020 Jack Dentler Ann Arbor Citizens Police, Fire and Courts Academy. The program was renamed last year to honor the memory of long-time, beloved volunteer with the Ann Arbor Police Department, Jack Dentler, who dedicated countless hours to, among other initiatives, the CPFCA. Dentler passed away in July 2018.

The deadline to apply to participate in the CPFCA program is Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, or sooner, should the 20 available spaces become filled. Find the application on the City of Ann Arbor website at www.a2gov.org/departments/police/community-engagement/Pages/Citizens-Police-Fire-and-Court-Academy.aspx.

The CPFCA is a free program that will be held at the Ann Arbor Justice Center, Ann Arbor Fire Department Fire Station No. 6, AAFD Fire Training Grounds and Washtenaw Community College. Classes will take place once a week on Tuesdays, 6:30–9:30 p.m., beginning Feb. 11 and ending April 7, 2020.

CPFCA topics will include: AAPD and AAFD history, emergency management, fire responder's role, use of force, hazardous materials, K-9 unit, investigative unit, court duties/processes and much more. Through this program, participants will gain a better understanding of the challenges facing police officers, firefighters, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys and judges. Participants will take part in various mock trial roles such as judge, jury member, prosecutor and defense lawyer; learn about operations of AAPD's Patrol and Support Services Division including procedures and equipment, community outreach programs and participating in a mock traffic stop; role play in scenarios, such as selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher and demonstrating the use of that fire extinguisher to put out a small, controlled training fire; and much more.

The goal of CPFCA is for its graduates to become partners in finding solutions to the safety issues that affect their Ann Arbor communities. Graduates are expected to share their knowledge with their neighbors.

If you have questions, please contact Ann Arbor Police Service Specialist Susan Casey at 734.794.6900, ext. 49526, or [email protected]. A background investigation will be conducted on all applicants; applicants will then be notified if accepted into the program.

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Media Contact Information

Susan Casey
Police Service Specialist, Ann Arbor Police Department
734.794.6900, ext. 49526
[email protected]


Ann Arbor has 123,851 residents, spans 28.97 square miles and is frequently recognized as a foremost place to live, learn, work, thrive and visit. To keep up with City of Ann Arbor information, subscribe for email updates, and follow the city on Twitter and Facebook. The city's mission is to deliver exceptional services that sustain and enhance a vibrant, safe and diverse community.