Experience law enforcement firsthand at Park City’s Citizen’s Academy

PARK CITY, UTAH—Now in its 15th year, the Park City Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy continues to offer residents an in-depth, firsthand look at law enforcement operations. Designed to promote transparency and public understanding, the academy provides participants with classroom instruction and hands-on training on multiple aspects of police work.

“The program is designed to bring to the public a sense of transparency, and they get an opportunity to see what the job of law enforcement entails,” said Terry Knechtel, a patrol officer and director of the Citizen’s Academy. “Our goal is to cover as many areas as we can in order to enlighten the public as to what we do.”

The free academy runs weekly for approximately three hours per session, with an additional full-day training on a Saturday. Classes cover topics such as police dispatch operations, traffic law and stops, K-9 operations, crime scene investigations, and emergency preparedness. Specialized training includes sessions on SWAT tactics, the use of force, and Utah’s criminal justice system.

Participants engage with subject-matter experts from the department and other public safety agencies.

“I bring in the best instructors I can find,” Knechtel said. “They cover their field—like dispatch, for example—and we have presentations where we do a demonstration and have them ask questions that they probably wouldn’t get the opportunity otherwise to ask.”

In addition to classroom instruction, attendees participate in interactive exercises, some of which are held outdoors in inclement weather. While all physical activities are considered light, participation is mandatory for successfully completing the program.

“We’re basically just setting the record straight,” Knechtel said. “A lot of people get their ideas of what law enforcement does from TV, social media and movies. It’s entertaining to sit and watch a movie for two hours, but you actually can’t solve a crime in 40 minutes.”

The program begins on May 8th and runs weekly, for eleven weeks, culminating in a graduation ceremony for those who complete all required sessions. To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, have no criminal record beyond minor traffic violations, and pass a background check. Participants must commit to the full course schedule, with no more than two excused absences.

Applications can be submitted by mail or in person to the Park City Police Department. To learn more and apply visit here.