Citizens Academy passes

The 16th Laguna Beach Police Department Citizen Academy graduated Dec. 18 at a ceremony at the Canyon Lodge Restaurant at Aliso Creek Inn. The 21 graduates have joined the Citizen Academy Alumni, now 328 strong. Attending the graduation ceremony were family members of graduates and representatives from the Laguna Beach Police Department, including Chief Michael Sellers.

The Citizen Academy is a 12-week course in aspects of police work, which meets one night a week, designed to provide community members with a better understanding of the Police Department and to help foster better communications between police personnel and citizens.

The academy includes instruction in investigations, traffic enforcement, accident investigation, DUI, gangs, narcotics, neighborhood watch, crime prevention, crime scene investigation, police K-9 program, volunteer programs and a tour of Orange County Jail.

Academy members get a guided tour of the police facility, patrol vehicles and equipment used by the department. Academy members are also given the chance to shoot at the police firing range and participate in mock scenarios.

The next Citizen Academy will be announced at a later date. For more information, call Sgt. Darin Lenyi at (949) 497-0375 or e-mail dlenyi@lagunabeachcity.net.

CINDY FRAZIER is city editor of the Coastline Pilot. She can be contacted at (949) 494-2087 or cindy.frazier@latimes.com.