The Special City Council Meeting held on March 8, 2025, in Kennedale, Texas, focused on enhancing community engagement through police education programs. A significant discussion centered around the revival of the Citizen's Police Academy, aimed at educating residents about police services and fostering better relationships between law enforcement and the community.
City officials confirmed that the academy, which has been inactive for the past few years, is expected to resume operations by the end of 2025. The initiative will be managed by the police department, with support from the city manager. This program is designed to provide citizens with insights into police work and promote transparency within the department.
In addition to the Citizen's Police Academy, the council discussed partnerships with local school districts to implement juvenile police academies. These programs aim to educate younger residents about law enforcement and crime prevention, although they have not been conducted in recent years.
The meeting also touched on various crime prevention initiatives, including a program referred to as "GRUV," which is intended to engage the community in safety efforts. The council emphasized the importance of these educational programs in building trust and cooperation between citizens and police.
Overall, the discussions highlighted the city's commitment to improving community relations through education and proactive engagement strategies. The council plans to move forward with these initiatives, aiming for implementation later in the year.