EL PASO - The El Paso Police Department (EPPD) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced the graduation of the 3rd Joint Citizen's Academy — a class compromised of 19 participants. The Joint Citizen's Academy is designed to educate students about the many safety challenges Texans face and how law enforcement organizations work to protect and serve the state every day. The graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at the Texas Department of Transportation building in east El Paso.
DPS Regional Director Orlando Alanis and El Paso Police Department Commander Ramos addressed the class about the relationship between the community and law enforcement, and how this partnership can strengthen public safety efforts throughout the West Texas region. Additionally, there was an open forum for participants to ask questions related to current events and the role each agency plays in working to make the El Paso community safer.
Students completed the 13-week academy, which taught them about various programs and services provided by law enforcement. They also received interactive, hands-on education during weekly meetings on topics related to the different services and divisions within each agency, including SWAT, DPS aircraft operations, canine units, criminal investigations, civilian response to active shooters and other numerous law enforcement activities. Students also toured the DPS Crime Lab, participated in ride-alongs with both agencies and conducted firearms training.
The next class will be announced in the fall. Citizens interested in attending should contact:
- Det. Javier Sambrano, EPPD, at 915-212-4055 or 2828@elpasotexas.gov; or
- Sgt. Jaime Aburto, DPS, at 915-849-4155 or Jaime.Aburto@dps.texas.gov.
### (DPS-West Texas Region)