By Ryan Palencer
Avon — The police department here is currently accepting applications for people interested in participating in its second annual Citizens’ Police Academy.
The program is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m. on 10 consecutive Tuesdays, April 13 through June 15.
“(Our goals) are to reach out to the citizens and inform them of what we do,” Avon Police Sgt. Jeff Lewis said “We want to show them that we are just normal people. It creates a better relationship between us and the citizens.”
The Avon Citizen’s Police Academy is a free instruction course, designed to give citizens hands on knowledge about how the police department operates, its policies, procedures, programs, and the challenges officers face daily. In addition, participants will meet some of the men and women on the department and get to know them not only as officers, but as people.
“Last year, it was so successful that we don’t plan on changing much,” Lewis said. “We had a great response and no criticism. The only complaint was that some classes didn’t last long enough. We might look into extending some of them.”
The idea is for citizens to better understand the law, and in many cases its limitations. It is also an opportunity to share ideas that participants may have to help police better serve the community.
“TV paints a picture of what police do,” Lewis said. “(In the academy), we get to sit down and talk about it. It gives the citizens a better understanding of what our day-to-day job is like and how we make decisions.”
Along with learning about the jobs, one of last year’s participants, Steve Wissen, is now working on the force as a community support officer. His tasks include assisting people with lock outs and other minor tasks, freeing up officers to do other things.
Topics covered will include road division, investigations division, crime scene management, evidence collection, use of force, defensive tactics, OC spray, tasers, emergency vehicle operations, firearms, and ride alongs.
Last year’s inaugural class had 10 participants, but Lewis said they may expand it this year. He does, however, want to keep the student to educator ratio small.
Citizens at least 18 years of age, with no criminal history, and who live or work within the Town of Avon are eligible. Anyone interested should apply in person at the Avon Police Department, 6550 E. U.S. 36.
ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com
