September 17 was the first night of the newest session of the APD’s Citizen Police Academy with almost 40 people registered to attend the session that will conclude with graduation on December 17, 2013. The class members were welcomed by SPO Jermaine Kilgore, who assumed duties as the CPA Coordinator early this year. As of June 2013, a total of 1,910 citizens have completed the Academy which was implemented in 1987.
A meal of pizza, drinks, and cookies was provided by the Austin CPA Alumni Association whose President, Melinda Rodriguez, welcomed all to the class and assured them that they would benefit greatly by what they learn. She invited them to become members of the Alumni Association and to extend their knowledge of APD operations with volunteer opportunities available through the Association. Several members of the ACPAAA were present at the meeting to visit with class attendees and welcome them.
Officer Kilgore briefly reviewed the agendas for the 13 weeks of classes this session and announced that ride outs with patrol officers for the class would be done in late October and early November. He thanked the class members for their participation and commitment to the Academy.