nerdgirl 0 #1 August 19, 2009 Over a year ago, [AggieDave] suggested something that I had never heard of before: citizens police academies. I tracked down Atlanta’s Citizens Police Academy and sent off an application. That was 14 months ago. (Enough time has elapsed that one of my references was deployed to and returned from Afghanistan.) Tuesday evening the 15th class of the Atlanta Police Department's (APD) Citizens Police Academy began. A very public thank you to Dave for the suggestion! Without his posting here, it's unlikely that I would have ever heard of it. The most significant motivator for me was to get a better understanding of my local LEO professionally and to be part of my community personally. We're also scheduled to get to go to the shooting range and EOD at the airport and … helicopter ride-along. (Okay, that last one I'm working on.) Got a date for coffee too (unexpected bonus )… altho’, at the moment, I’m more excited by the prospect of a helicopter ride-along. And to keep this resoundly Speakers Corner material, among the things taught thus far: -- Recovery & Reinvestment funds (“the Stimulus”) are enabling the recruitment & hiring of 73 additional officers to the APD, to a total authorization of 1710 officers. Prior to that ATL had been under a hiring freeze. -- There are only six APD officers, all within SWAT, who carry tasers. (I asked what was the origin/reasoning behind that policy … that was the 2nd time the response was “that’s above my pay grade.” -[at myself]) We also got a lecture on don’t bring your guns to the Police Academy or on ride-alongs even if you have a Georgia CCW permit. /Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeorgiaDon 380 #2 August 19, 2009 Sounds like fun! Can you wear your rig on the helicopter? Although a bandit jump from a police helicopter just might be asking for trouble. Don_____________________________________ Tolerance is the cost we must pay for our adventure in liberty. (Dworkin, 1996) “Education is not filling a bucket, but lighting a fire.” (Yeats) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StreetScooby 5 #3 August 19, 2009 I doubt they have such a thing in Westchester County, New York. How does one find out?We are all engines of karma Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #4 August 19, 2009 Show them how to set an appropriate ambush with 3 tiered/concentric kill rings. Then watch them shit their pants. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #5 August 20, 2009 If all goes well offer to provide an OPFOR team that will provide some very real scenarios. Like sucking them into an attack planned on decimating the first responders. Wiping out the city government. NBC attacks. You know the drill... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigbearfng 18 #6 August 20, 2009 I hope they're also giving you FATS training? And no not calling anyone fat! That's firearms training system. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #7 August 20, 2009 Quote Sounds like fun! Can you wear your rig on the helicopter? Although a bandit jump from a police helicopter just might be asking for trouble. Yeah, I'm thinking that last idea wouldn't be appreciated. (Fun one ... but not one I would choose to pursue.) The issue is potential liability - have to figure out a way to deal with that. I'm workin' on it. /Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #8 August 20, 2009 Quote I doubt they have such a thing in Westchester County, New York. How does one find out? I Googled "Atlanta citizens police academy" to find the one here. Alternatively, you might call up the PD in your area and ask. Another option, with less committment, is a (patrol car) ride-along. (Unless you have a helicopter too in Westchester. ) There are CPA's all over the country and internationally; the first was in UK in 1977. /Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #9 August 20, 2009 Quote There are CPA's all over the country and internationally; the first was in UK in 1977. /Marg I did my first ride-along in the UK in 1968. We also got a very gruesome illustrated talk on homicide autopsies by the local medical examiner.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #10 August 20, 2009 Thank you for seeking out more education and understanding about modern law enforcement. I think you'll have fun and learn a lot...hopefully that phone number works out for you as well. --"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airathanas 0 #11 August 20, 2009 I went through the Citizen's Police Academy here in Killeen (Texas). I love it- learned a lot about gangs, animal control, jail, robbery, what it takes to become a police officer, etc.. I got to shoot at their range, see their SWAT team in action, see a police dog demonstration, and do a ride-along. I highly recommend it!http://3ringnecklace.com/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhaig 0 #12 August 21, 2009 the gift that keeps on giving. In another window I'm investigating my local CPA.-- Rob Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #13 August 21, 2009 So is that like part time Police? What we call 'Special constabulary' over here?When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #14 August 21, 2009 No, we call those Reserve Officers (or similar names) over here. What she's talking about is a chance for residents to interact with officers and learn a bit more about what they do, how they do it, and most importantly why they do things the way they do. This does not involve becoming an employee or a sworn officer. It's a taste of what officers do, and a really effective PR tool. I actually went through one in College Park, MD way back when. edit: spellingwitty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #15 August 21, 2009 QuoteSo is that like part time Police? What we call 'Special constabulary' over here? Special Constabulary are sworn police officers with warrants from the Chief Constable.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #16 August 21, 2009 Quote So is that like part time Police? What we call 'Special constabulary' over here? Citizens Police Academies are largely educational and community relations efforts. That seemed to be the prime motivation stated by most of the folks. Completion of the course, "graduating," conveys no special privileges. As I wrote in my initial post, in addition to my own personal interest along those lines, I’m also looking at it w/r/t better understanding local law enforcement and networking w/r/t my professional work ... & I was upfront about that in my application and during intros on Tuesday night. I’d be happy to write more by PM if you’re interested. (Oh yeah, & some of the stuff we get to do qualifies under my subjective consideration of “fun.” You’re also not the first person who’s asked me that either, so it’s a reasonable question. I somewhat ‘cheekishly’ refer to it as “after-school enrichment for adults.” There are a couple folks in my CPA, who have applied or are interested in applying for the real police academy. I also don’t need another job Heck, I’m trying to hire a couple folks at the moment – anyone know a cognitive scientist/neurobiologist interested in security/defense or a China expert interested in nanotech? /Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,589 #17 August 21, 2009 Quote cognitive scientist/neurobiologist interested in security/defense or a China expert interested in nanotech? How about if I slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #18 August 21, 2009 Quote Quote cognitive scientist/neurobiologist interested in security/defense or a China expert interested in nanotech? How about if I slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night Hmmm ... I slept at a Holiday Inn last night ... but it wasn't an Express. /Marg ... waiting on a delayed flight at DCA Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #19 August 22, 2009 I hope you get to experience a SWAT ride along. It is great to see what they do and even better if you can help assess any shortcomings. They are some of the most professional and appreciative officers you will ever meet. One of them was noted as saying "Damn, I appreciate that, I want to live and see my family again" Very grateful and humble. If you see one of them that is arrogant, it is the same as any SOCOM guy being arrogant, they are an INDIVIDUAL and a LIABILITY. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #20 August 22, 2009 Quote(in regards to SWAT) If you see one of them that is arrogant, it is the same as any SOCOM guy being arrogant, they are an INDIVIDUAL and a LIABILITY. Good point. Every SEAL and Combat Controller I've ever met was down to Earth and thankful for the simple things (those are the only special forces operators I'm close with). I have to admit, not so with a lot of LEO tactical team members...witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,488 #21 August 22, 2009 Somehow, I get the feeling that it's not going to be how much you learn from them; but how much they're going to learn from you. head> Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Skyrad 0 #22 August 22, 2009 Interesting, thanks.When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy. Lucius Annaeus Seneca Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PLFXpert 0 #23 August 22, 2009 Quote I did my first ride-along in the UK in 1968. We also got a very gruesome illustrated talk on homicide autopsies by the local medical examiner. I want to go on a ride-along! Seriously--it is another thing on my list, and I have wanted to for a while. I would have loved to been there for the homicide-autopsy description. I am so thankful to some of those who do the important jobs I would never wish to do (but would if I had to). Marg: Neat post!--very cool of you to read a post and give the idea a whirl! Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #24 August 24, 2009 Quote Somehow, I get the feeling that it's not going to be how much you learn from them; but how much they're going to learn from you. head> ... Thanks! For the time being, I’m on ‘intake’ mode – absorbing, asking questions, and trying to learn as much as I can. Plus, it's always interesting to observe assumptions. /Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nerdgirl 0 #25 August 24, 2009 QuoteI want to go on a ride-along! Seriously--it is another thing on my list, and I have wanted to for a while. You might just call your local police department and ask what is their policy and process, which really is my just repeating something that [AggieDave] has encouraged multiple times. /Marg Act as if everything you do matters, while laughing at yourself for thinking anything you do matters. Tibetan Buddhist saying Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
