By VANESSA WELCH
vanessa.welch@register-news.com
MT. VERNON — Area residents will be given an opportunity to learn about the Mt. Vernon Police Department firsthand during its interactive Citizens Police Academy early next year.
MVPD Chief Chris Mendenall said the seven-week course helps participants gain respect for what happens from when police receive a call to how they respond, and for various services the department provides.
“Citizens learn about different operations of the department,” Mendenall said. “Their perception of police changes as they learn about the services we provide. It’s very educational and it builds trust so they’re more likely to call when they have a problem.”
Officers in various departments will cover a different subject or department each week. Topics covered by the class include the MVPD hiring process, telecommunications department, criminal and narcotics investigations, K-9 division, high risk team, elderly services, chaplain’s program and student resource officer program.
Mendenall noted those who don’t have a basic understanding of the department may have “misconceptions of how things are really done,” so the academy helps them recognize what local cops do on a daily basis.
Those who complete the classes will also have an opportunity to ride with an officer for four hours while they are on-duty.
The free course will start on Jan. 13, 2009, and sessions will be held each Tuesday through Feb. 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Municipal West Building.
Applications are currently being accepted until Jan. 1, 2009, and participants must be 16 years of age or older. After forms are turned in, a background check is completed, and Mendenall noted 30 people will be allowed into the academy.
To find out more information or to obtain an application contact the MVPD at 242-2131.
