Well, trained law-enforcement officers do the actual crime fighting, but otherwise, yes, citizens do "ride-alongs" as part of the requirement for graduating from the Citizens Police Academy.
Citizen Police Academies, which exist in a number of large cities around the country, are meant to give citizens a first-hand look at the organization, operation, and culture of local police departments. They also provide an opportunity to interact on a personal basis with police officers and officials. In Las Vegas, Sheriff John Moran initiated the program in 1991 and today, more than 1,200 citizens have graduated from the program; applicants now have to move up a long waiting list before it's their turn to attend.
Las Vegas academies take place three times a year for 12 weeks at a time. The program currently meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m.; classes of about 30 students last for three to three and a half hours. Guest speakers from the department -- everyone from Traffic and K-9 to SWAT and the top brass -- address the classes; apparently, these are the same talks that police officers themselves receive as part of their in-service training. The classes also take field trips to the Clark County Detention Center, the 911 Communications Bureau, and the police shooting ranges.
Other subjects covered include an overview of the legal system, criminal and constitutional law, department ethics, use of force and patrol procedures, gang and drug interdiction, air support, homicide, traffic and DUI enforcement, and media relations.
Participants also accompany officers on 10-hour ride-alongs in Metro patrol cruisers.
Graduates of the program are eligible for membership in the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, which meets on the third Thursday of each month. Also, graduation is a prerequisite for serving on the Citizen Review Board, a panel of 25 Las Vegans appointed by two City Councilors and two County Commissioners. The Review Board, among other things, investigates complaints of misconduct by Metro officers, as well as any citizen deaths that occur in connection with Metro.
For more info on the Las Vegas Citizens Police Academy or to request an application, you can call 702/229-3507 or stop by the Metro Training Facility at 861 N. Mojave Road (at the intersection of Washington Ave. and Mojave Rd., across from Freedom Park), where the Academy is held.
