JCPAAA

Last night 8 of our 12 inaugural Citizen Police Academy participants met again to continue moving towards a perpetual support system for the Joshua Police Department.  We're forming the Joshua Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association as is customary in most cities that have the classes.  I have the honor of serving as president of our first group and now we have several tasks ahead of us.  To make sure everything is official we'll be forming a non-profit corporation and applying for 501(c)3 tax exempt status so that donations made to the organization will be tax deductible.

I'm anxious to get through the start-up tasks and get on with the fun stuff that we'll be in business for and that is raising funds to support the Joshua Police Department.  One of the main financial purposes of the group is to acquire for the department equipment and tools that don't make it into the regular operating budget.  Once we get established we'll work with Chief Robertson and Captain Cheek to develop a list of goals to work towards.

In addition to financial help we hope our organization will also move into a Citizens on Patrol group to help the department with awareness and assist in large crowd events in the city.  Of course we'll be in our neighborhoods serving as ambassadors as well, helping educate the public on the functions of the department.

Interest in next year's CPA class has already surpassed this year so I'm excited to get to know the 2011 participants and bring them into our organization to further the mission.  I'm looking forward to working with our CPAAA officers, board of directors, members and of course the Joshua P.D.

A.J.