A Call to Action:
Citizens Police Academy
“The knowledge and dedication of our first responders are truly impressive!
The Citizens Police Academy classes are very interesting, but an even greater benefit
is getting to know our police as people,” says recent CPA graduate Lois Annich.
Here’s your chance to get to know the police officers and firefighters who
serve and protect our city. Through lectures, field visits, and a ride-along, CPA is an
opportunity for Shaker residents to better understand the pressures, complexities,
and operations of police and firefighting work.
Shaker Life caught up with Annich, a Pastoral Counselor and Life Coach, to get
her thoughts on the program.
SL: What motivated you to participate in the CPA?
LA: I initially signed up for the Citizens Police Academy because I am active with
the Block Watch in my neighborhood and wanted to learn more about how our
police department works.
SL: What makes the CPA important and relevant?
LA: We are at a critical juncture in our nation in terms of complex relationships
between police departments and the communities they serve. I firmly believe that
making the human connection is an essential first step toward bridging the divide
that concerns us all.
SL: What would you say to other residents who are thinking about
enrolling in the CPA?
LA: Shaker Heights is unique in its longstanding commitment to such a program
and I encourage residents to take advantage of this offering. In a wonderfully
diverse community like Shaker Heights this program gives everyone the
opportunity to role model good citizen-police relations. On a lighter note, it was
just plain fun to meet new people and learn about their work!
For details on the activities of the alumni association visit
shakeronline.com/departments/police/police-academy/police-alumni.
8 SHAKERONLINE.COM | SPRING 2015
Interested?
Here are the details
The 24th Citizens Police Academy,
sponsored by the Shaker Heights Police
and Fire departments, begins August 20
and runs for 12 weeks. Classes are held on
Thursdays from 7 to 10 pm at the Police
Department. It is open to anyone over age
20 who lives or works in Shaker Heights.
Graduates are invited to join the Citizens
Police Academy Alumni Association, whose
members volunteer thousands of hours in
support of the City.
To apply, visit shakeronline.com/
departments/police/police-academy, pick
up an application in person at the Police
Department, or call Police Chief Scott Lee’s
office at 216-491-1240 for more information.
Mail completed applications to D.
Scott Lee, Chief of Police, Shaker Heights
Police Department, 3355 Lee Road, Shaker
Heights, 44120, or fax to 216-491-1243.
The program fosters an understanding
of law enforcement, but does not
grant any police authority to
Academy graduates.
@ShakerOnline