May 13, 2011 - At a graduation ceremony at HPD Headquarters on Thursday (May 12), Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland, Jr. recognized and thanked 28 citizens from across Houston for their interest and dedication in attending HPD’s Citizens’ Police Academy.

A photo of the graduating class is attached to this news release.

The citizens spent the past 10 weeks learning how HPD officers handle investigations, patrols, and dangerous situations.

Chief McClelland thanked the members of Class 44 for their interest and support.

“Crime is not a policing problem, it’s a social problem,” said Chief McClelland.  “We can’t do it alone and citizens can’t do it alone.  That’s why we form these partnerships,” he added.

Organized in 1989, the Citizens’ Police Academy is designed to give the public a working knowledge of how HPD operates and stresses the importance of citizens’ involvement in fighting and preventing crime.

For more information on the Citizens’ Police Academy and joining the Fall class, go to the HPD website at www.houstonpolice.org and click on the “Join Us” tab.

KJS/JFC  5-13-11