OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Citizens’ Police Academy was organized in 2022 and offers citizens the opportunity to learn about the internal operations of the Ocean City Police Department. The overall objective of the Academy is to provide citizens with sound and accurate information about the Ocean City Police Department and the criminal justice process, so citizens are able to make informed decisions regarding matters involving the police department and/or police activity. Participants will be able to share their experiences with family, friends, co-workers, and their community.
“This is another program to expand our community-based efforts,” Police Chief Jay Prettyman said. “It will open lines of communication and create a better understanding among the community of police operations in Ocean City.”
The course will cover different topics each week, including:
- Community Policing Unit
- Traffic Safety Unit
- K9 Unit
- Police Dispatch
- IT Unit
- Training Unit
- Detectives
- Administration
The Academy is free and open to all Ocean City residents and business owners age 18 or older. Classes will be held every Tuesday from March 7 through May 9 at the Ocean City Free Public Library (some sessions may be held at other locations such as the Ocean City Police Department).
Applications can be picked up in person at the Ocean City Police Department or downloaded at www.ocnj.us. Citizens’ Police Academy class size is limited. For more information, please email kricci@ocnj.us or call (609) 525-4252. (This is not an application to become a police officer.)
