Marva Adams, Paris Oaks Beacon Administrator, and Denise Thornton, President & Founder of BOH, were among the first class of graduates from the N.O.P.D. Citizens Police Academy.   Superintendent of Police Ronal W. Serpas, and Mayor Mitch Landrieu officiated as 37 citizens of the community who successfully completed a 12 week course were issued a gold "star and crescent" and a certificate of completion at a graduation ceremony held on December 8, 2010.

Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Denise Thornton, Superintendent Serpas at the graduation ceremony

Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Marva Adams, and Superintendent Serpas

Superintendent Serpas said, "One of the key measures to our success is the growth in strong partnerships with members of our community. The Citizens Police Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to gain a better understanding of the responsibilities and challenges we face each day.  It is through collaboration and community involvement, that we can successfully fight criminal activity."     

The Citizens Police Academy provides information and knowledge about the New Orleans Police Department to the citizens of the community.  Citizens Police Academies serve as a component of Superintendent Serpas' community policing programs.  Participants learn about the criminal justice system and how they can work with law enforcement to address community problems.

There will be another round of the Citizens Police Academy beginning the evening of January 5th 2011.  There is only room for 50 applicants, so if you are interested, get your application in soon.  Complete the requested information and email the form back to Sergeant Michael Levasseur at malevasseur@nola.gov.