GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — GRPD postponed indefinitely its 2020 Citizen Police Academy because of COVID-19 restrictions, according to a news release Friday.
The department cited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order requiring that indoor, in-person meetings not exceed 10 people.
“We generally run these academies with 25-30 students,” Sgt. Patrick Baker said. “One of the most rewarding and useful aspects of these academy sessions is the group discussion participation that is generated. A smaller class size would simply not have the same beneficial effect.”
The Citizen Police Academy gives residents a look at different aspects of law enforcement.
They get exposure to the police department, personnel and equipment during the nine-week program.
No replacement date has been set.
The department says those who have already shown interest and applied will be the first to be contacted when a future date gets scheduled.
