Citizen's Police Academy open for registration

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy with is open for registration.

According to the city’s website, the goal of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to keep the Rio Rancho Police Department connected with the community.

“The academy offers citizens a greater understanding of all of the services and programs that the Rio Rancho Police Department offers. Our presenters are officers from different divisions across our agency that are out in the community every day providing the great service that we strive for,” it says. “As citizens learn about our police department, they will have an opportunity to learn more about the people behind the badge, who we are, and what motivates us.”

The academy consists of an 11-week course, one night per week. All classes are held at police headquarters, 500 Quantum Road. The course is comprised of hands-on learning and demonstrations and varying presentations on patrol officer response, K9 Unit, SWAT and Investigations.

The academy is open to current Rio Rancho residents and/or Rio Rancho business owners and is limited to 30 students per session. There is no cost to participate. Residents must be 18 years of age or older in order to apply. The next Citizens’ Police Academy will run March 4 through May 6, and the deadline to apply is Feb. 27.

Applications will be denied for any previous violent criminal history and/or felony criminal history. However, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and petty misdemeanor history may be waived.

For more information, visit rrnm.gov.