In my 10 years of service as a Police Officer I have heard many citizens question the behavior of police officers. Examples of this are, "I told the officer I was sorry and offered to shake his hand. He refused to shake my hand. How inconsiderate!" or, "I got out of my car like he asked and it was cold outside. I put my hands in my pockets and he kept telling me I had to keep my hands out of my pockets. I think he just wanted me to be cold!" These and many other actions by the police may seem inconsiderate and impolite on the surface but officers respond in this manner based on their training and experiences as Law Enforcement Officers.
To help the citizens of Greenfield and people who are employed in the city of Greenfield better understand the "how's and why" of law enforcement, the Greenfield Police Department is offering a Citizen's Academy. This is a 9 week program that will give participants a first hand view of our department. A wide variety of topics will be discussed, from an introduction to the police department to understanding patrol procedures, state statutes and traffic law, officer survival and use of force, criminal investigation, evidence collection, crime prevention, and police officer requirements to mention a few.
Any adult that is a Greenfield resident or is employed in the city of Greenfield may apply to attend this academy. Applicants must completely fill out an application which can be obtained from the Law Enforcement Center or downloaded from the police department's web site. ( http://www.greenfieldpolice.org/Community/Citizen_Academy/citizen_academy.html )
The first session is scheduled to begin Thursday September 11, 2008. The class will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Greenfield Law Enforcement Center. Class size will be limited so get your applications in early! If you have questions regarding this academy contact Captain Schlecht at 761-5300 or stop in at the Law Enforcement Center for brochures and applications.
WHAT A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY!!!!
