Citizens Academy
A backstage pass to your city government

City of Fort Smith and the academy concept

The City of Fort Smith operates an unprecedented three academy programs – Citizens Police Academy, Citizens Fire Academy and Citizens Academy. Each year, nearly 150 people graduate from these programs.

About Citizens Academy

City of Fort Smith Citizens Academy is a program modeled after the Fort Smith Police Department’s long-running Citizens Police Academy program.

Citizens Academy is an 11-session program designed to provide citizens with “boots on the ground” experiences with all facets of city government – from emergency services and sanitation operations to the business of water and budgeting your tax dollars.

Participants do much more than sit and listen to city staffers talk about the services their departments provide. Sessions are designed to provide information, as well as experiences. Holding a fire hose helps the participant understand how much strength and endurance a firefighter needs to battle a blaze. Touring a wastewater facility helps the citizen understand the technical expertise – and the 24 hour monitoring – required by utilities employees. Spending an evening at the sanitary landfill shows participants the chemical, biological, ecological, and engineering sciences required to operate a safe and efficient waste disposal operation.

How to participate

Citizens Academy classes are organized in the spring and autumn each year. Applications are accepted year-round. Dates and schedules for upcoming classes are set following the conclusion of each current class, and notifications are made based on applications on file.

Contact

Tracy Winchell – Citizens Academy

479.784.1072

twinchell@fortsmithar.gov

Cpl. Mike Moss – Citizens Police Academy

479.709.5023

moss@fortsmithpd.org

Capt. Phil Christensen – Citizens Fire Academy

479.784.2370

pchristensen@fortsmithar.gov