Sign-ups scheduled for 2nd Citizens Police Academy
Those who missed the first Citizens Police Academy offered by McMinnville Police Department will be getting a second chance. The next course is scheduled to begin Aug. 30 and continue until Nov. 15.
The course will offer insight into how officers perform their duties and how the department serves the community while including fun and entertainment.
Among the second class schedule will be some big hits from the first. Those include crime scene investigation, narcotics and vice investigations, accident reconstruction, touring the Warren County Jail, ride along week, and criminal investigations.
Similar to the first, the second police academy will be hands-on and involve group participation.
‘If I could do it again I would,’ said first class member Joe Madden. ‘It was a wonderful class and a lot of fun. You get to experience things first-hand. Everyone is on the outside looking in when it comes to police work. Once you get inside you have a whole different perspective of it. I look at it with a whole new set of glasses and they aren’t rose-colored.’
Even McMinnville Electric System general manager and CEO Rodney Boyd, who was shot and killed by a teen-age driver during a mock traffic stop, would recommend the class.
‘After attending the Citizens Police Academy, I now have an even greater appreciation and respect for the men and women who protect our city,’ said Boyd. ‘Their professionalism, knowledge, dedication and integrity are truly inspiring. I would highly recommend anyone with a desire to get a behind-the-scenes feel for the demanding job of police officer to attend the Citizens Police Academy.’
The class will be held on Thursday nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and last for 10 weeks. Certified police officers, supervisors and civilian instructors with particular expertise will conduct the class each week.
Classes are free and limited to 24 people. Those interested must pick up an application at McMinnville Police Department located at 211 West Colville Street. Because of the expected high number of applicants, each interested citizen will have to go through a short interview process.
For more information, contact Special Services Division Commander Capt. Mike Lane at 473-3808.