From “Dragnet” and “Dirty Harry” to “Barney Miller” and “CSI,” the public has long been fascinated with the world of the police officer.

But the world depicted on television and in movies differs vastly from the real-life challenges faced by law enforcement every day on America’s streets.  Too often, this difference leads to misunderstandings between the police and the citizens they serve.

In an effort to give citizens a clear picture of the day-to-day world of the police officer, the Fullerton Police Department is gearing up to host a new session of its popular “Citizen Police Academy” in September.

The 10-week course, which will be held from Sept. 30 through Dec. 9, “exposes participants to the many facets of police work in their community,” explained Fullerton Police Chief Michael Sellers. 

“Participants will gain an overall knowledge of the Fullerton Police Department, how it’s organized, and how it serves the community, and they will learn about the men and women behind the badge.”

Sellers emphasized the course is not meant to train people to become police officers;  rather, “it is intended to open communication between the community and the department.”

The classes, which will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesdays at the department, 237 W. Commonwealth Ave., will be taught by personnel from all areas of the agency, including patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and managers. 

A graduation ceremony will be held at the conclusion of the training.

Participants must be at least 21, and must live, work or attend school in Fullerton.             

Citizens interested in participating in the program may request an academy application by either calling Officer Hazel Perez at the Fullerton Police Department at (714) 738-6835, or by emailing her at hperez@fullertonpd.org.

Deadline for returning the applications is Sept. 18.

Participants will be fingerprinted and photographed.  Applicants may not have any outstanding warrants, pending criminal cases or felony convictions