Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – If you’ve always had an interest in police work, ever wondered why police do what they do, have considered a career in law enforcement or just enjoy learning something new, then perhaps a course being offered by the Presque Isle Police Department will be of interest. Beginning April 29, the PIPD will once again hold its Citizens’ Police Academy – weekly classes designed to teach participants a little bit about what patrolmen do and why they do it. The free course, which runs for approximately 10 weeks, provides an opportunity for “recruits” to acquire hands-on knowledge of what officers at the department deal with on a daily basis.
“Each class is taught by a different officer and highlights what that officer’s field of expertise is,” said Sgt. Mark Barnes, who’s in charge of the program.
Classes include learning about OUI details and techniques used to determine if a driver is impaired or not, tracking individuals using the department’s K-9, Hunter; drug detection by the department’s K-9, Dozer; responding to domestic situations; traffic stops; searches; crime scene investigation; and evidence collection.
“Participants are given a certificate of completion upon conclusion of the course. Once the class is over, they’re also eligible to do a ride-along with an officer of their choice,” said Barnes.
Barnes said the course is especially useful to parents who can use it as a tool to help them deal with issues they may face with their children. Participants must be 18 years of age and have no criminal record.
“This is a great opportunity for citizens to come in and interact with officers – see that we’re just as human as they are,” said Barnes.
For more information, call Barnes at 764-4476 or visit www.pipd.us. Applications are available online or can be picked up at the PIPD.
