San Clemente Deputies Want You to Learn the Job

Soon, San Clemente residents may be able to get a taste of what it's like for San Clemente deputy sheriffs to do their jobs every day.

The San Clemente City Council Tuesday will hear a proposal by Lt. John Coppock, chief of San Clemente Police Services, to start up a citizen academy program. The progam will be based on the same model as the Leadership San Clemente program that allows residents to learn about the inner workings at City Hall, according to a staff report.

People who sign up for the citizen academy program have to have a clean criminal record. They'll attend one class per week during which they'll meet deputies, see demonstrations, discuss issues and gain a "newfound understanding in regard to the increasing complexity of the law enforcement profession," the staff report states.

Attendees will learn about SWAT, firearms, K-9 units, traffic operations and even have the opportunity to go on a ride-along with police.

Particpants must be over 18 and their number is limited to 25 at a time. The academy is meant to foster a stronger connection and goodwill between the department and the citizens, the staff report states.

The program costs $15,000 to administer.

The San Clemente City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers, 100, Ave. Presidio.