UNION TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Twenty-three residents graduated from the Union Township Police Department’s 21st Citizens Police Academy this week, completing a 12-week course that put civilians through investigations, defensive driving and firearms training alongside sworn officers.
The free academy runs annually from August through November, meeting weekly for three hours plus two Saturday sessions at the firing range and a defensive-driving course, according to the department. The curriculum covers criminal investigations, forensics, defensive driving, self-defense and drug interdiction. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driver’s license and pass a criminal background check.
The department’s honor guard presented the colors at a graduation ceremony held at department headquarters, where officials recognized top performers with Top Shot and Top Driver awards, the department said in a Facebook post. Erica, a member of the graduating class, spoke on behalf of her classmates about what the experience meant to them.
The department credited Sgt. Bock, who served as academy commander, for his leadership running the program, along with the officers and staff members who taught individual classes throughout the 12 weeks.
Anthony Rees has led the department as chief since March 2023, after 25 years as a police officer, according to the department’s website. Union Township Police was formed in 1965 and has grown to 60 members organized into operations, investigative and professional standards bureaus. The department holds international accreditation.
Union Township, established in 1811, is the most populous township in Clermont County, a status driven largely by growth following the completion of Interstate 275 in 1979, according to the township’s own history.
The department said it looks forward to the graduates’ continued involvement with the police department and the broader community.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Union Township Police Department.