They've had 35 of these in Midland, Texas, and the 35th Citizen Police Academy ended last night with a certificate presentation and a delicious meal at a local restaurant. The citizen academy is a public relations effort on behalf of the MPD, and for anyone interested in the workings of the police department, these courses are excellent learning opportunities. Plus free T-shirts! It was a win/win situation.
Officers from each of the departments described what they do, and they all answered questions in the most knowledgeable and cordial manner. (The organizational chart you see on the right came from the 2008 MPD Annual Report.)
There was too much material to try to summarize, so I'll just say that it was an excellent program, and every citizen should try to take advantage of this opportunity to get to know the police a little bit better.
Here's one little tidbit that may or may not be helpful to know. A SWAT team leader gave a lecture and showed some of the gear they use. And he answered questions.
Sample question: "A Midland citizen is in bed at night, he's got his handgun by the side of the bed, and he hears a commotion at the front door. If it's the police he would comply with what ever they demanded. But how does he know whether it's a home invasion or the SWAT team?"
Long answer made short: "There have been home invasions in Midland where the invaders said they were police. ... You don't know."
On a lighter note, there were plenty of power point presentations with lots of photos, among which were crime scene photos including a cadaver on a slab, a decomposing body, a severed head, and wounds too gruesome to describe. Enjoy that free meal.
You may want to remind readers that they can go on a ride along with officers. They have to be at least 18, sign a liability release, and dress appropriately. Good way to see your tax dollars at work and see what officers have to go through in a shift. They don't have to attend the CPA to do this.
Posted by: Brad | November 30, 2009 at 04:21 PM
Brad, anyone can do that?
Who do they need to call or contact to set that up?
Posted by: Geo | November 30, 2009 at 04:45 PM