The Cobb County Department of Public Safety (DPS) is announcing its Spring session of the Citizens Public Safety Academy (CPSA).

This 14-week program provides an opportunity for Cobb County citizens to obtain an insider’s look into the various entities that comprise the Department of Public Safety. During the course, participants will gain knowledge and insight as to how the Police, Fire, Animal Control, and 911 departments are organized and the important role each plays in fulfilling the myriad tasks that ensure the safety of all the citizens of Cobb County.

In order to participate, interested citizens should either live in Cobb County or work for Cobb County government or schools and be at least 21 years of age.

The Spring Academy start date is Tuesday, April 2 at 6pm at the Cobb County Public Safety Training Academy located at 2109 Valor Drive, Marietta 30008.

To be accepted into the program, citizens must fill out an application. This application can be emailed to you or be picked up in person at the DPS Training Center located at 2109 Valor Drive, Marietta 30008. The completed application will need to be taken to the Cobb County Public Safety Internal Affairs Department located at 1150 Powder Springs Street, Suite 300, Marietta 30064 by Monday, March 18 at 3pm. It is suggested to bring your driver’s license with you as they will need to make a copy for the application process.

Applications that are waitlisted will be held over for the Fall 2019 program if necessary. If you do not have an email address, please make sure to provide a phone number.

The first night of the CPSA will meet at the Cobb County Public Safety Training Academy, 2109 Valor Drive, Marietta, 30008. Participants will meet the training staff, receive a presentation and tour the Academy grounds. Please note the first night begins at 6pm and all subsequent sessions will meet at 6:30pm at various Cobb County Public Safety locations. Classes will be conducted every Tuesday evening for 14 weeks, with graduation being the 14th week. A few of the planned activities include:

  • Meeting with distinguished members of the Public Safety Department
  • Touring the 911 Communications Center and the Medical Examiner’s Office
  • Receiving demonstrations from DPS Police Training on weapons/firearms safety and defensive tactics.
  • Participating in classes from the Fire Department special operations, i.e., Hazardous Materials, Heavy Rescue Squad.

The complete schedule will be given out on the first night along with other information. If you have any questions, contact Training Registrar Victor Verola at Victor.Verola@cobbcounty.org and/or 770-590-5653.

This article originally appeared in the February issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on page 7. Click here to view the digital edition.