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2025 is set to be a positive year in Winchester for more reasons than one. 

The Winchester Police Department is looking to add to that. 

WPD’s Citizens Police Academy is back after a one-year hiatus, offering others from the community an opportunity to understand and experience the day-to-day life and responsibilities of local officers. 

“Our goal is to kind of show the public and give them an inside [perspective] of what our officers see and do,” said Sergeant Matt Reed. “[It’s] just a complete overview…we give them complete insight.” 

The deadline to apply for the academy – which can be done by picking up an application at the police department office on 16 S. Maple Street or via email – is Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. 

As mentioned on the Winchester PD Facebook page, Reed – as Citizens Police Academy Coordinator – can be contacted at (859) 745-7418 or mreed@winchesterky.com. 

Training is set to take place for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings beginning on March 4, with a week off due to spring break and graduation on May 13.

As part of the curriculum, there is much that will be learned. 

“They will get to see how our guys process crime scenes. They will get to see our…communication facility [and] the jail,” Reed said.  “We are scheduled to go to the Department of Criminal Justice training [in Richmond] for one of the classes to see how our guys get trained.” 

25th Judicial District Court Judge Earl-Ray Neal will also teach a class on various courtroom procedures, while teaching on narcotics, DUI enforcement, and more are present. 

Speaking of the history of the program, Reed notes that current Chief Travis Thompson and retired Chief James Hall have previously overseen the program. 

“It’s usually ten to twenty participants per class,” Reed added. “I’ve already had nine or ten people reach out [saying] they want to participate.” 

With the vast majority of participants being adults, local business and community leaders have often taken part and are welcome. 

Juveniles are welcome, though an adult is required to accompany them. 

When asked if there was anything in particular he hoped the community would take away from the experience, Sergeant Reed responded. 

“I think the investigative part of it, so that they see…what work our guys really put into looking and bringing all of the evidence together,” he said.

He also notes that participants can learn a lot through their experience in ridealongs with actual officers. 

“They’ll get to see why they’re [responding] to these calls,” he said. “Not only are we showing them the training of it and what we do, but they’re actually getting to go out to the public and…see it.” 

The experience is rewarding for officers as well. 

“I enjoy…after ten weeks, going back over [information] and seeing how much it’s changed their perspective,” he said.