Citizens' Police Academy returns
The academy runs March 3 to May 19.
Published Jan. 23, 2009
The Columbia Police Department will hold its annual Citizens' Police Academy this year on Tuesday nights. The 10-week program, which runs March 3 to May 19, was created to encourage better communication between Columbia residents and CPD.
Program coordinator Jessica Haden said the program was well supported by the city. The mayor and city manager have both completed the program and are encouraged by the citizens' interest in city operations and their willingness to devote their time to this.
Mayor Darwin Hindman, who went through the program several years ago, said the academy is a good way to learn about the police officers' job and their role in the city.
"I think it is an excellent program," Hindman said. "The Citizens' Police Academy plays an important role in improving trust and faith in the police department and in bringing police together with the citizens." The academy gives citizens a place to question officers about policies and events.
"Lately Tasers are a big topic," Haden said.
Topics discussed during the academy include anything from officer selection and community policing to the major crimes unit and the use of force and firearms. Citizens must apply for the program and undergo extensive criminal background checks. Preference is shown to Columbia residents.
Citizens leave the program with a renewed interest in police activity and more knowledge about the police department's procedures within the police department.
"I learned a great deal about the structure and training by the police department and the duties of police officers," Hindman said. "I left with a much greater appreciation of the professionalism of police officers and the work that they do and the hazards that they face."
Despite concerns over the economic recession and its effect on the citizens of Columbia, city officials maintain the program's benefits far outweigh the costs.
"It costs only the hours our officers spend instructing," Haden said. "It's not extravagant, but it makes up for it in substance."
The conference rooms and field trips are provided for free, and the cost of snacks and notebooks is minimal. Some police officers even volunteer their own time.
"The Citizens' Police Academy plays an important role in improving trust and faith in the police department," Hindman said.
Hindman said the economy makes the academy even more necessary than in previous years. "When the economy is doing poorly there is likely to be more crime and citizen interaction with the police, making the Citizens' Police Academy even more important," he said.