Connect
small icon

Citizens Academy

Neighborhood Services
Ofc. J. Willingham
(770) 592-6030 Ext. 1172

LEARN

The City of Woodstock Citizens' Public Safety Academy occurs at least once a year and meets once a week for eleven weeks in the evening from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at our city venues.


The Citizens' Public Safety Academy is an important component of the Woodstock Police and Fire Department’s community oriented philosophy. Its purpose is to provide a forum whereby you can develop a basic understanding of how the police and fire departments are continually striving to better our city.

During the eleven weeks of the Citizens' Public Safety Academy, various personnel will cover a variety of law enforcement and fire safety subjects. Through this experience, you will gain valuable knowledge of the how the Woodstock Police and Fire Departments operate within your community.

SCHEDULE

Each Citizens' Public Safety Academy session covers a variety of subjects ranging from basic operations and each department's role in the community to discussions and demonstrations. The curriculum is as follows:

Week 1: Opening Night and WPD Overview
Week 2: Woodstock Fire Department Overview
Week 3: Criminal Investigations and WPSF
Week 4: Woodstock Fire Station Tour
Week 5: Patrol Operations
Week 6: Traffic Unit & DUI Enforcement
Week 7: WFD Extrication Demo
Week 8: C.R.A.S.E. Presentation
Week 9: Use of Force and Scenarios
Week 10: Live Fire Demo
Week 11: Graduation

As a Citizens' Public Safety Academy participant, you will receive a comprehensive behind the scenes look at the Woodstock Police Department and Woodstock Fire Department. Upon successful completion of the Citizens' Public Safety Academy, each participant and their family and friends will be invited to attend the citizens' academy graduation ceremony held at the Chambers at City Center.

ENROLLMENT
Academy enrollment is limited. Citizens' Public Safety Academy application forms are available to download below or at the Woodstock Police Department. After your completion of the application, please turn it in to the Woodstock Police Department, care of Ofc. J. Willingham. Please provide a photo of your ID.  If you are not able to provide a photo, please ask the Records Department to make a copy for you prior to turning in your application.  In the weeks prior to the citizens' academy start date, the Academy Coordinator will contact you to confirm your selection to participate in the next academy.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Be at least 19 years old
  • Live, work or have an expressed interest in the City of Woodstock
  • Have no felony convictions
  • Have no criminal misdemeanor convictions within one year of application

APPLICATION
The application for the Fall 2024 academy will be available here in July 2024. Applications must be delivered in person to the Woodstock Police Department due to notarization requirements. The deadline to apply will be September 13, 2024.