The Dalton Police Department will host a Spanish session of the Citizens Police Academy beginning Aug. 22.
The classes will be held each Tuesday for six weeks from 6 – 9 p.m. in the Rock Bridge building at 114 South Hamilton Street, according to a press release from the DPD.
The DPD has held a Citizens Police Academy for nearly two decades as part of a strategic plan to improve its relationship with the community. The first condensed version for Spanish-speakers was held last year and was met with great enthusiasm.
The program gives participants a behind the scenes look at what goes on in the police department so they can better understand police operations.
Reaching every segment of the community helps everyone, said Chief Jason Parker in a press release. He said having a sizable group of people who are non-English speakers creates a communication barrier between them and police and other emergency personnel.