Published: November 18, 2008 10:35 am      

Citizens Academy increases training

After three successful Duncan Police Citizen Academies, the Duncan Police Department is sponsoring another course. However, the 2009 class will have double the in-depth coverage in for certain sections and even a real-life simulation.

Duncan Police Master Officer Steve Biffle said that after many positive reviews and feedback the department decided to extend the course by three weeks.

“People wanted to hear more about K9 units, narcotics and gang-related stuff,” Biffle said.

The class is divided into different subjects each week.

A law enforcement officer who specializes in that subject leads a discussion and gives a presentation about that subject to the class. It begins Jan. 15, 2009 and is held every Thursday night after for 12 weeks.

Also different this year, is the opportunity for class participants to put their knowledge from the class to use through a real-life simulated domestic call. They will dress up in training gear and be taken to a home where a simulated call will originate.

They will then try and handle the situation in much the same way a police officer would.

“They will find out how dangerous our job can be,” Biffle said.

The program originated with a desire for the police department to develop a better relationship with the community.

The officers wanted to help people understand what their work is really all about.

“I think most people have a perception of police work that they get from watching television, which isn’t the real world,” Biffle said.

“My favorite part of the class is just watching people realize what our work is really like. Often times, they think we just ride around writing tickets.”

When the program started that first year, Biffle was nervous that no one would show up — or that no one would like it.

About 15 people showed up that year and it has grown in size and popularity since then.

Last year there were about 40 people who went through the course.

“It’s growing,” he said. “But it’s a lot to ask of people to give up one night a week for an extended period of time. A lot of people, however, are interested in what we really do.”

Topics covered

Domestic violence

Identity theft

Patrol tactics

Officer safety issues

DUI arrests

Special response team tactical operations — including a day at the police range and firearms training.

Gangs and their effect on our community.

Traffic laws

Defensive tactics and use of force

Narcotics detection

Police pursuit driving

And there are many more subjects covered that are not listed here.

Anyone who is interested in attending can pick up an application form at the police department or the Duncan Chamber of Commerce.

Deadline to fill out an application is 4 p.m. Jan. 1, 2009. The minimum age is 18, but an exception can be made if a parent attends and the child isn’t too young, Biffle said.

For information, contact Biffle at 580-470-2092.