Fort Smith, Ark. – This fall, members of the Fort Smith Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy Class 54 continued their in-depth, hands-on learning as part of the department’s ongoing effort to strengthen relationships with the community.
Throughout the program, participants have gained firsthand experience with police operations, engaging directly with officers and exploring the daily responsibilities of the department.
During weeks eight and nine of the course, participants learned from the Motor and Bicycle Units about how these specialized teams support patrol operations, traffic enforcement, and community events.
They also reviewed car seat installation techniques and received an overview of how officers conduct Standard Field Sobriety Tests.
In week nine, participants walked through a real criminal case—from the initial collection of evidence to the eventual arrest—gaining a deeper understanding of investigative work.
The week also featured a potluck, where class members shared a wide variety of dishes, including tamales, fried rice, guisado verde, and flan.
The Citizen Police Academy Class 54 has maintained strong engagement and enthusiasm throughout the course, reflecting the Fort Smith Police Department’s continued commitment to transparency, education, and partnership with the community.