The program began in 1995. The purpose was to bring community and government together in a positive way. To date there have been 250 graduates that are now representatives of the government in their communities.

Police employees volunteer their time to participate. Local fundraisers also provide support for the program as well as a small fee charged the students to participate.

Community involvement and increased awareness of what is going on in the City. The other way to measure effectiveness is statistics. Statistics can only be developed over a period of time. But the data, so far, shows a marked decrease in juvenile crime.

The community is involved through the Citizen’s Police Academy and local businesses who support the many activities the police department provides through either involvement or sponsorship of activities. In each and every program there has been excellent community involvement which is what is needed for the police officers to be effective in their community in controlling any criminal element and making the City a pleasant place to live and raise children.