The Citizen's Police Academy (CPA) is a program designed to acquaint citizens who are not sworn police officers with the activities of their local police department. Citizens gain an appreciation for the problems and challenges facing law enforcement and have an opportunity to offer comments, ideas, and solutions. The department's main goal of the Citizen's Police Academy is to:

• prevent public misunderstanding about police functions.

• build a stronger relationship between the community and the police department.

• provide the public the opportunity for feedback and suggestions.

• increase community support and awareness about police operations through education and exchanging of ideas.

• create responsible, well-informed citizens who influence public opinion on police practices and services.

Officers and personnel from the police department serve as the instructors and teach on their areas of expertise. Topics covered in the CPA include Arrest, Search & Seizure Laws, Community Policing, Constitutional & Criminal Laws, Crime Scene Investigation, Drug & Gang Awareness, Professional Standards, Subject Control & Arrest Techniques, Traffic Enforcement and Use of Force. In addition, participants are given an opportunity to ride along with a patrol officer and to participate in a mock court exercise and firearms training. Upon completion of the academy, the participants will receive certificates of completion and become members of the Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association.

The requirements to participate in the Citizen's Police Academy include:

• Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

• Participants must be residents or work within the City of Rocky Mount or be business owners in the community or otherwise have a vested interest in the community.

• Participants must complete an application.

• Participants must undergo a background investigation to include a criminal history check

The Citizen's Police Academy program is offered in the Spring and Fall. For more information, call 972-1436.

• Download an application

The Rocky Mount Police Department offers an unpaid college internship and service learning for students who are interested in exploring career options within law enforcement. In order to be considered, applicants must be enrolled in a college level program, undergo an interview and background check, and be available to work between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm, Mondays through Fridays.

• Download the Internship/Service Learning Application

• Download the Confidentiality Waiver Form

Application and waivers must be completed and should be submitted to:

Rocky Mount Police Department
Community Services Unit
330 S. Church Street
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
yvette.jones@rockymountnc.gov

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 or older at the time of application.

• Must be currently enrolled and attending an accredited college or university.

• Must provide references at the time of application.

• Must not have any felony convictions.

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Download Application

The easiest way to avoid negative encounters with law enforcement officials is simply to stay out of trouble. If you are stopped, questioned, or detained by a law enforcement official, approach him or her with respect, not disrespect. Cooperate with the law enforcement official, even if you feel you are being unjustly stopped or questioned.Retain your composure and conduct yourself in a professional manner.

• Read more about Know Your Rights

Exploring is a component of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 - 20. Exploring was created to allow young adults to "explore" vocations and careers of interest to them while providing them with a means of building character, promoting good citizenship, and developing personal and mental fitness.

Many law enforcement agencies have adopted the Explorer Program as a means of developing positive relationships with young people. Law enforcement Explorers receive training in police procedures, and criminal and Constitutional law. They participate in activities and events that promote crime prevention. They get an opportunity to ride with police officers on duty, and assist officers at special events. They have an opportunity to earn rank, and develop their skills as leaders and positive role models. They can choose to participate in a week-long Junior Police Academy during the summer.

• Download an interest form

Rocky Mount Police Department's Explorer Post #774

Twice a month, Explorers Post meetings are held at the Rocky Mount Police Department. At the post meetings, the members conduct post business, plan community service projects, and are exposed to other police officers and the law enforcement culture.

Each month is also dedicated to a training topic for the Post. The members are provided training on such topics as Constitutional Law,Technologies in Law Enforcement, Policing in the Schools, K-9s, and Physical Fitness. Certified law enforcement instructors provide the hands-on training and demonstrations so that the members are exposed to a variety of disciplines, training styles, and ranks.

It is considered a privilege to be accepted as a member of the Rocky Mount Police Explorer Post #774. A strict code of conduct, self-discipline, regular attendance, and an enthusiasm for the program are expected of all members.

Requirements:

• For young men and women, ages 14-20.

• Must maintain a "C" average or better in school.

• Must not have a prior serious criminal conviction, and must not commit a criminal or traffic violation or serious school policy violations while a member.

• Must participate in a minimum of 80% of meetings and activities.

• Must adhere to the policies and the code of conduct set forth by the Post.

• Must exemplify the core values of integrity, professionalism, fairness and respect.

• Must have parent's permission.

• Must pay a $20 annual, non-refundable registration fee.

• Must pay $5 per month dues to cover the cost of uniforms, Rocky Mount Police Explorer equipment and activities.

The 2016 observance of National Night Out (NNO) was held on Tuesday, August 2. The City of Rocky Mount, along with over 15,000 communities in all 50 states, US territories and military bases worldwide celebrated NNO. National Night Out is an annual event designed to strengthen communities by encouraging neighborhoods to engage in stronger relationships with each other and with their local law enforcement partners.

In 2016, twenty (20) National Night Out events were held in Rocky Mount. These events ranged from family fun nights, block parties, cookouts, potlucks, hotdog and ice cream socials and safety fairs.

To learn more about National Night Out visit the National Association of Town Watch site at natw.org

Nextdoor is the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free.

Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home. People are using Nextdoor to:

• Quickly get the word out about a break-in

• Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group

• Track down a trustworthy babysitter

• Find out who does the best paint job in town

• Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog

• Find a new home for an outgrown bike

• Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name

Nextdoor's mission is to use the power of technology to build stronger and safer neighborhoods. For more information about starting a Nextdoor Program in your community, call 972-1466 or to learn more visit www.nextdoor.com.

You may wonder what police officers do day-to-day, you may want to get a more in-depth look at what is happening in your community, or you maybe considering a career in law enforcement. The Rocky Mount Police Department welcomes your participation in the Ride Along Program.

The Ride-Along Program was designed to give citizens and community members the opportunity to ride with a sworn law enforcement officer while the officer is engaged in regular duties. To participate in the Ride Along Program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or if a minor under the age of 18, the applicant must be participating in the R.M.P.D. Explorer Post or Junior Police Academy program;

• Be a local resident of Rocky Mount or work or own a business in Rocky Mount;

• Complete and submit the application and waiver of liability form to the Community Services Supervisor at least 2 weeks (10 business days) prior to the requested ride-along.

• Undergo a criminal record check

Citizens may participate in the Ride-Along Program once in a 6-month period and may ride up to 4 hours in a given shift. Minors under the age of 18 may not participate in the Ride-Along Program before 7:00 a.m.and past 10:00 p.m. All other ride-along participants shall not be scheduled after 2:00 a.m. and before 7:00 a.m.

Family members of police personnel are encouraged to participate in the Ride-Along Program, however, they may not observe during the same shift and with the same work unit as their family member.

The Community Services Supervisor will notify you by phone, e-mail and/or letter whether the request has been approved or denied. If approved the notification will confirm the date and time the Ride-Along is scheduled.

The Rocky Mount Police Department hopes that your Ride-Along experience will be informative and enlightening.

• Download an Application Form

• Download a Waiver of Liability

• Download Rules of Conduct