According to the National Citizens Police Academy Association, the role of police has always been of interest to the average citizen. The television media has capitalized on this interest with television programs such as “Cops,” “America’s Most Wanted” and “Stories of the Highway Patrol.” Many law enforcement agencies—including the Hurricane Police Department—have formed what are called “Citizens Academies.”
Sgt. Brandon Buell with the Hurricane Police Department told The Independent that the goal of a Citizens Academy is to “develop a level of transparency throughout the department by providing an ‘inside look’ at the overall operation of the department. Through the information provided and the education therein, promote a better understanding of how and why the department operates as it does.”
The Hurricane Police Department completed an initial “test run” with handpicked residents and has announced they will officially start a 12-week Citizens Academy, designed to educate residents on the inner workings of the department. The course is open to all applicants that would like to apply.
The Hurricane Police Citizens Academy program will begin Sept. 16 and run through Dec. 9. Classes will run for three hours on Wednesday evenings, and participants must be 18 years or older. Most of the Citizens Academy classes will take place in the classroom. Other nights, however, participants will be taken on a tour of the Purgatory Correctional Facility and also experience fingerprinting as part of the classes.
The goals and objectives of the Hurricane Police Citizens Academy are designed to educate residents on the different tasks and situations that police officers face on a daily basis during their shifts. It includes the drug task force unit, SWAT team, bike patrol and even animal control. The program will also address what trained professional officers have to deal with when they are called upon to use force, both lethal and non-lethal.
Riding with officers on what are called “Ride-alongs” are not part of the Citizens Academy. That being said, participants are encouraged to go on “Ride-alongs” to get a firsthand look at the work and other challenges and rewards of a police officer.
“If you are interested in attending this program, please come into the police department and fill out an application,” Buell said. “Attendees will have to pass a background check and after being accepted will be provided a copy of the course schedule.”
Buell has said that the Hurricane Police Department hopes some of the Citizen Academy graduates will want get involved further in police work, such as becoming volunteers in police service.
Only a total of 25 people will be able to participate in this first official Citizens Academy. All residents of Hurricane that are interested can apply. Residents interested in attending the Citizen Academy can pick up an application at the Hurricane City Police Department at 90 S. 700 W. in Hurricane. For more information, call Sgt. Buell or Dan McKee at (435) 635-9663 or visit the website for the City of Hurricane.
