The following is a press release from the Community Police Academy.
Registration for the popular Community Police Academy (CPA) is now opened until filled.
The King County Sheriff’s Office and the cities of Maple Valley and Covington are working cooperatively to help the community gain a better understanding of police operations through education and interaction with law enforcement officers.
The CPA classes will be held every Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. starting March 29 through May 31 at no cost.
Graduates of the CPA have historically gained a better understanding of the law enforcement role in the criminal justice system, and an appreciation for the many challenges facing law enforcement in today’s complex society.
A 2017 graduate said, “I would recommend the Academy to anyone who is interested in learning more about how the various departments of law enforcement work to make our community a better place to live. Not one of the instructors ‘phoned-in’ their presentation — the dedication and expertise of each and every speaker was apparent. The course, as it is laid out now, is amazing — from the hands-on instruction to the field trips to the in-class presentations, all served very well to give the students an exceptionally immersive experience to the many facets of law enforcement. I think this type of community education is important and should continue for years to come. I thank you for the privilege of attending this excellent citizen’s course.”
The CPA includes classroom based instruction as well as hands on learning about law enforcement. A few of the courses covered include Patrol Procedures, De-Escalation, Firearms, Narcotics, K-9, Major Crimes Investigations, and Major Accident Investigations.
The three police agencies share in operation and funding of the academy as a vital way to connect with community members. The agencies will also attempt to balance enrollment among the community members of Maple Valley, Covington and unincorporated King County.
The class size is limited for this free class. Due to the amount of planning that goes into this program, and the limited number of students, we ask those applying to dedicate themselves to the 10 weeks, along with a couple Saturday field trips. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and are subject to a background check prior to acceptance.
Applications can be found on the Maple Valley Police page, our website at: or at the following locations;
Maple Valley Police Department
22017 SE Wax Rd, Suite #100
Maple Valley, WA 98038
King County Sheriff’s Office/Precinct 3
22300 SE 231st Street
Maple Valley, WA 98038
Covington Police Department
16720 SE 271st Ave., Suite #100
Covington, WA 98042
For more information, contact Robin Larsen at 425-413-5158.
