The Los Alamitos Chief of Police announced the city’s “Citizen’s Academy” 2026 graduating class at the City Council’s most recent meeting, saying the program is advancing so quickly that perhaps a graduate of the class may soon facilitate the growing program.
“The Academy gives residents a first-hand look at the professionalism, accountability and dedication that defines our department,” Police Chief Michael Claborn told the Council.
He introduced Bruce Murphy, one of the department’s VIP’s, whom he said, along with others, helped facilitate this year’s program.
“Our program has been an amazing program,” said Claborn, “and it is about building understanding, strengthening trust, and continuing the partnership that keeps Los Alamitos safe,” the police chief said.
“Our program has grown since its inception,” he said, “and has now reached the point where they are actually able to facilitate the delivery of this course to our community, which, I’m not aware of is being done anywhere else in the country,” he added.
The program, introduced in 2025, gives everyday citizens a chance to look deep inside the city’s police department and get a look at city operations as well.
Claborn introduced Jenna Bloom, who spoke for this year’s graduating class.
“When I first joined the Citizens Academy, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” said Bloom. “As the weeks went on, before I knew it, I was looking forward to it. There wasn’t a single week that wasn’t engaging and informative,” she said.
“Throughout the course, we were given a deeper look into the police department operations,” she said, noting that she was “especially impressed by the professionalism demonstrated by the officer” she had a chance to ride with on patrol, and others experienced during the program.
“It’s difficult to choose a favorite week, because every topic highlighted a different but essential part of law enforcement. We learned about the coroner’s office, SWAT operations, the narcotics division, canine unit, crime lab, shoot/don’t shoot scenarios, domestic violence situations, de-escalation tactics, the coordination between agencies that help keep our communities safe, and more,” said Bloom.
“Over the eight-week course, we also had the opportunity to meet and become friends with people from many different backgrounds and professions,” she said.
Though this year’s class was diverse, she said they had one thing in common.
“Despite our differences, we all shared one thing in common: our genuine love and care for the city of Los Alamitos,” she said, “and the people who work every day to protect it. I want to sincerely thank Michael Claborn, Captain Luke South, Support Services Manager Robert Acosta, VIP Murphy, VIP Kathy Gardner, Media Coordinator Alexandra Van Voris, and Coordinator Lizet Salinas,” she said.
This year’s class included Bloom, Angela Bittbauer, Troy Butcher, Leonor Carter, Meryl Cohn, Kristin DiMiceli, Glen MacCloud, Miriam Espejo, Jason Morales, Susan Morales, Veronica Orrick, Clayton Sierra and Gary Loe.
Participating VIPS were Art Remnet, Anna Bilyk, Bruce Murphy, Gardner, Daniel Patz, Karl Meyers, Debbie Charland, Randy Smith, Van Voris and Lizet Salinas.
Claborn also announced the promotion of two officers, Corporal Stephen Smith and Corporal Matthew Merzada.