After a years-long hiatus induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rice University Police Department (RUPD) resurrected its Citizens Police Academy in January 2024. A group of about 20 Rice undergraduate students, graduate students and staff signed up for the free program.
“I’ve never really been able to learn about law enforcement, so I saw this as a perfect opportunity to learn about RUPD,” freshman Lana Yepifanova said.
Sgt. Juan Alejandro facilitated the nine-week program, which covered topics such as the history of policing in America, first aid, use of force, fingerprinting, traffic stops and defensive tactics.
“(It’s) insider information about how RUPD works, the behind-the-scenes stuff that few people get to ever see,” said Steven Luo, a second-year graduate student in chemistry.
The academy is part of RUPD Chief Clemente Rodriguez’s push for community outreach and community events.
“Even if it’s just a glimpse, even if they just pick up one or two things, they get to see what we go through on a daily basis,” Alejandro said. “I think they get to appreciate more of what law enforcement does.”
You can learn more about RUPD and its programs here.