With sentiments about policing being what they are, Corvallis Police are hoping folks of our fair burgh will give them a deeper look – and that you’ll be impressed, or at least more understanding.
They are offering a course called Corvallis Police 101, and they say it is like an extended open house, They believe this is a good opportunity for people to get to know the department’s police officers, and to learn about all the facets of your police department, the services it provides, and how it delivers those services.
They say class members historically represent a cross section of our community: teens to seniors, Corvallis newcomers to lifelong residents, and people just curious about what their police do to people considering careers in law enforcement – and that includes both proponents of police to those with oppositional views. In short, participants come from a full range of demographics that make up our community.
Here’s what they say will happen
You will see firsthand how the Corvallis Police operates. You will come to understand how police are governed by laws, community values, policies, accreditation standards and by the way courts adjudicate cases.
Corvallis Police 101 informs you about police training, authority, practices, and services. It builds effective community-police partnerships that increase community involvement, especially crime prevention, community safety, and police policy decisions. Corvallis Police 101 is also an excellent forum for you to make direct input on police-related issues important to you.
Community policing
Corvallis Police say they operate by the philosophy of community policing. This means they encourage Corvallis residents to take an active role in crime prevention, and building community relationships. The Corvallis Police 101 program is one of the services the Corvallis Police Department offers based on this philosophy. They believe a community involved with the police department and with crime prevention is a community where crime does not flourish.
Program objectives
Here’s what CPD the classes give each person:
- An understanding of the community policing philosophy, how it relates to the way the Department functions, and how it relates to the services that Corvallis Police provide.
- General knowledge of the criminal justice system and the role the Department has in it.
- Knowledge of crime prevention initiatives and how to be active in community policing.
- An opportunity to have questions answered about Corvallis police policies and practices.
- An opportunity to ask about law enforcement careers and employment with Corvallis Police.
- An opportunity to raise concerns and discuss community issues.
What’s included?
The Department says Corvallis Police 101 is the place to get your questions answered.
Corvallis Police 101 shares information on:
- Department organization, operations & standards
- Benton County Jail
- Community-policing
- Crime in Corvallis
- Police authority
- Criminal justice system
- Traffic law & car stops
- CPD’s Motor Unit
- CPD’s K-9 Unit
- CPD’s Street Crimes Unit & illegal drugs
- CPD’s Investigations Unit & major crimes
- Patrol procedures
- DUII enforcement
- Crime analysis
- Case studies
- Force response
- Crime prevention & personal safety
- Confrontational simulation
- Police equipment
- Emergency vehicle operation
- Volunteer opportunities
- An open forum with Department Leadership
In addition to learning about these topics, you have the opportunity to ride with an officer on patrol, drive a patrol vehicle on a closed track, and use the firearm simulator. CPD says people find these experiences eye-opening and rank them among the program highlights.
Participation and commitment
Corvallis Police 101 convenes each spring. You have no obligation other than attending class. Corvallis Police 101 is a ten-week program that provides 30 hours of instruction, discussion, and participation. Classes meet Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 9:00.
Participation is free and you have no commitment of any kind after graduation.
Participant qualifications
Corvallis Police 101 strives to include the broadest range of diversity within our community. They invite applications from people of all genders, ages, ethnic, cultural, and civic groups.
As part of the application process, you must authorize the Corvallis Police Department to conduct a criminal history check. Felony convictions or other circumstances that would make participation in this program inappropriate may be cause for denial of admission.
You must be at least 16 years old before the first class. If you are under 18 years old, a consent form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian, and you must be accompanied during class by that parent or legal guardian. That parent or legal guardian must also submit an application and pass the criminal history check.
Because of City of Corvallis liability limitations and Departmental policies, if you are under 18, you may not drive police vehicles, or go on the tour of the Benton County Jail. You may watch the driving course. To drive a City of Corvallis police vehicle during the driving course, you must have a valid driver license.
College credit
You can enroll with Linn-Benton Community College to earn one hour of transferable college credit. Enrollment requires your registration and payment of the current tuition fee to LBCC. Credit is issued on a pass/no-pass basis through LBCC’s Department of Criminal Justice. You must attend a minimum of eight sessions to receive credit.
All fee, enrollment, credit, and transcript matters are under the control of Linn-Benton Community College, not the Corvallis Police Department; however, you can pick up a registration form and a prepaid mail-in envelope during the first Corvallis Police 101 class rather than going to the campus.
Applications
Apply by March 25, you can complete an application by clicking this link.
Paper applications are available at the Law Enforcement Building, 180 NW 5th St, Corvallis
Questions?
Contact Corvallis Police 101 staff at CPDEvents@corvallisoregon.gov.
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