The City of Stamford has announced today, September 16, that applications are now open for the Office of Public Safety, Health and Welfare’s fifth-annual Citizen’s Public Safety Academy.

The Citizen’s Academy is a free program that unites police officers, firefighters, emergency health professionals, and residents in an informal educational forum. This popular partnership strengthens Stamford’s community by educating residents on public safety standards and practices.

“Stamford’s Citizen’s Academy is a terrific opportunity for residents to meet the men and women who keep our community safe every day,” said Mayor David Martin. “As a City, we’re always looking for ways to familiarize the public with our departments so that residents know who they can call on when they need assistance.”

The Office of Public Safety developed the Citizen’s Academy in response to rising misgivings regarding public safety officials across the nation. Residents in the academy participate in an eight-week, hands-on, behind-the-scenes, program taught by experienced public safety professionals. The program involves opening Stamford’s Police, Fire, Health, Emergency Medical, Emergency Management, Emergency Communication, and Social Services departments to the public.

Participants in the academy receive an overview of each agency’s responsibilities and how they respond to residents’ needs. This program gives residents first-hand exposure with Stamford’s Public Safety Department, providing invaluable information to private residents, and allowing the department an opportunity to strengthen relations with the community.

Residents who complete the academy qualify to become members of dedicated volunteer citizen’s organizations including Stamford’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and/or members of the Medical Reserve Cops (MRC). Both organizations work diligently to improve the health and safety of Stamford’s community.

Previous graduates of the Citizen’s Academy have attested to completing the program with a better understanding of public safety’s operations, an impression of the departments’ challenges, and a lasting appreciation of the people who work every day to keep Stamford’s community safe. 

The Citizen’s Academy is open to any resident 18 years old or older. The academy is tentatively planned to start in October — the official start date will be announced later this month. The eight-week academy is held once a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with two additional Saturday classes. Approximately 24 to 30 residents will be accepted to the academy, pending the completion of a background check.

Topics covered in the Citizen’s Academy include:

• Law Enforcement Overview and Community Policing
• Field trips to Public Safety agency facilities with guided tours
• Terrorism Awareness and Evacuation procedures
• Canine and Bomb Squad operations                                                                            
• The use of force continuum and incident de-escalation procedures                        
• Ambulance life support services and disaster medical operations
• Firefighting Emergency Operations Overview and techniques           
• Incident command, basic emergency awareness and CERT duties and responsibilities
• Health issues, Social Service programs, emergency management and emergency communications
• Current narcotics trends and drug enforcement                        

Applications for the academy can be found on the City of Stamford’s website. Completed applications can be sent to the Office of Public Safety at TJankowski@stamfordct.gov , dropped off in the Government Center Lobby, or sent by mail to:

Office of Public Safety, Health, and Welfare

888 Washington Boulevard, 10^th Floor

Stamford, CT, 06901