Austell, Georgia - (March 25, 2024):  The Cobb County Department of Public Safety (DPS) is announcing its 2024 Citizens Public Safety Academy session.  This 16-week program allows Cobb County citizens to obtain insider insight into the various entities that comprise the Department of Public Safety.  During the course, participants will gain knowledge and insight into how the Police, Fire, Animal Services, and 911 departments are organized and the important role each one plays in fulfilling the myriad of tasks that ensure the safety of all the citizens of Cobb County. 

To participate, interested citizens should live in Cobb County or work for Cobb County Government or Schools and be at least 21 years of age.

The Academy starts Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, at 6 PM at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Training Academy at 2435 East-West Connector, Austell, GA, 30106-8196. To be accepted into the program, applicants must fill out an application.  This application can be emailed to you or picked up in person at the DPS Training Center located at 2435 East-West Connector, Austell, GA 30106-8196.

UPDATED DEADLINE: The application must be taken to the Cobb County Public Safety Internal Affairs Department at 545 S. Fairground St., Marietta, GA  30060, by Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 3 PM.  It is suggested to bring your driver’s license with you as they will need to make a copy of your license for the application process.

The academy may fill quickly if necessary, so wait-listed applications will be held for the 2025 program.  Please provide a phone number if you do not have an email address.  On the first night of the Citizens Academy, we will meet at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Training Academy, 2435 East West Connector, Austell, GA, 30106-8196.  Participants will meet some of the Training staff and receive a presentation from one of our various units.  Please note the first night begins at 6:00 PM, and all subsequent sessions will meet at 6:30 PM at various Cobb County Public Safety locations. Classes will be conducted every Tuesday evening for 16 weeks, with graduation being the 16th week. 

A few of the planned activities include:

• Meeting with distinguished members of the Public Safety Department
• Touring the 911 Communications Center and the Medical Examiner’s Office
• Receiving demonstrations from DPS Police Training on weapons/firearms safety and defensive tactics.
• Participating in classes from the Fire Department special operations, i.e., Hazardous Materials, Heavy Rescue Squad.

The complete schedule will be given out on the first night, along with other information.