MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — The Marana Police Department is offering the community an in-depth look at the department’s operations through its Citizens Police Academy.
The academy includes 42 hours of instruction taught over the course of a few months. It’s centered on strengthening the relationship between the department and the community.
“They may learn things about us that they never knew, and we may get to see their point of view that we never saw, so it really helps us bridge any gaps with our community,” said MPD Officer Ashley Alvarez.
Officer Alvarez says they are appreciative of the supportive community in Marana and says they want to be transparent in everything they do.
“And this class really helps show that transparency and answer any questions that they may have,” she said.
John McVean was part of the last academy. His background is in culinary and hospitality, but he’s had a curiosity about how the department operates.
“You think they’re rigid cops, they have this, that and the other – and you see them as people, which is really at the end of the day, we’re all part of the community,” he said.
Shawn Cochran works for the town, but in a completely different department. He says the academy was very eye-opening.
“I didn’t know we had a bomb squad, or a bomb tech, and some of the equipment that they use. They got a nice new shiny robot recently, so that was pretty cool,” Cochran said.
The academy is hosted twice a year. The next session will begin on Wednesday, February 18, and run through Wednesday, May 13. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 16.
Academy Requirements
- Must be 18 or older and licensed to drive
- No felony arrests or convictions
- No misdemeanor arrests within one year of application
- Must complete an application and submit it before the cutoff date
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Madison Thomas joined KGUN 9 in July of 2023 as a multimedia journalist. She graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2023 with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She has lived in Arizona her entire life and grew up in Douglas. Madison is thrilled to share the stories from the community she grew up in. Share your story ideas and important issues with Madison by emailing madison.thomas@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
