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Courtesy Photo
The 17th Citizens Police Academy recently celebrated the graduation of 10 participants.Back row from left are Eve Raffensberger, Donald Weller Jr., John Day, Michael Moore, Nicolette Moore and Douglas Aquino.Front row from left are Amanda Haddaway, Kate Sherbine, Jessica Sweeney and Michael Dempsher. |
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As a member of a Neighborhood Advisory Council, Frederick resident John Day has been able to learn about the Frederick Police Department through its briefings regarding calls for service.But he wanted an in-depth look, so he enrolled in the department's 17th annual Citizens Police Academy, which teaches residents about the different facets of law enforcement. "I just loved it," Day said. "I had a great time. It increased my respect for the Frederick City Police Department." The academy, which is free, met every Wednesday for 10 weeks beginning Aug. 19 and ending Oct. 24. Each class is about three hours long, and participants who miss more than three classes cannot graduate. "It's something you have to be dedicated to," said Cpl. James Brown, administrative coordinator for the department's training division. The participants learned about search and seizure and arrest laws. They took a tour of the station and listened to lectures on several divisions including criminal investigations, drug enforcement unit and community services. During the final class, the participants shot a firearm and took on the role of officer during three scenarios: a traffic stop, a parking complaint and a suspicious person tip. "Every single one of us were really struck by the amount of preparation that went into each one of the classes," Day said. Participating in the academy helps answer residents' questions about police procedures, Brown said. It also makes residents feel more comfortable about approaching an officer to report something. This was the 17th academy put on by the department. Mostly Frederick residents participate, but it is always a mix of different ages, races and genders, Brown said. This class' graduates are Eve Raffensberger, Donald Weller Jr., John Day, Michael Moore, Nicolette Moore, Douglas Aquino, Amanda Haddaway, Kate Sherbine, Jessica Sweeney and Michael Dempsher.
Haddaway, a Republican candidate for city alderman, decided to attend the academy after Chief Kim Dine suggested it to her.
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