MILFORD, Ohio — The Milford Police Department is accepting applications for this year’s Citizens Police Academy, with the free, 11-week course set to begin Sept. 2, the department said in a social media post.
The academy is open to Milford residents and to anyone employed within the city, according to the department. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal history; class size is limited, and selection is at the department’s discretion.
The program is designed to “provide a snapshot of the day-to-day operations of the Milford Police Department and to enhance the partnership between the citizens and police officers,” according to the department’s 2025 annual report. Classes are held weekly in the evening, where participants learn about the department’s structure, responsibilities and role in the community.
The academy has run for more than a decade; the department’s 2024 annual report noted it had graduated its 11th class that year. Graduates go on to serve as volunteers, assisting the department with special functions and community events, the report said.
Residents interested in enrolling are asked to contact Sgt. Terry Chastain, the department said. Chastain, a Marine Corps veteran, has served with Milford police for more than a decade and was promoted to sergeant in 2024, according to the department’s annual report. He commands the Citizens Police Academy and also supervises the department’s Field Training Program, Crime Scene Unit and Officer Mental Health and Wellness Program. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice and has received the department’s Silver Bullet Award, Chief’s Commendation and Physical Fitness Award.
The academy is one of several community-focused programs run by the Milford Police Department, which is led by Chief D. Jamey Mills, a Milford High School graduate who has served with the department for more than three decades.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the City of Milford, Ohio.