Sgt. Kel Roberts operates the simulator that participants in the academy will be able to use during class time. Real life simulations are played and enable officers and others to learn to make split second decisions. | Randy Garrison

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

Have you ever wanted to find out what happens when you call 911, want to ride with a police officer, learn to fire a weapon, learn how the police investigate crime scenes or just learn more about your local police force? Hartselle Police Department has an opportunity for you to experience all of the above and more. The ninth Citizen’s Police Academy kicks off on Oct. 6.

The academy will be held at the Hartselle Police Department Special Services Building located at 106 Sherrill St. The classes will be held each Thursday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Captain Tom Sparks says the academy was not a new idea, but one that he and Hartselle Police Chief Ron Puckett wanted to do. We felt this would be good for the community and the police department. The first class was held in 2006.

“Given todays climate this allows the police department to interact with the public on neutral ground, allowing those attending to see the truth about what your police department really does,” Sparks said  “You will see how the department operates from all aspects. This is a great point for bonding and helps to let the class know this is their police department,” Sparks commented.

There are usually 15- 20 in each class and will include people from all walks of life. Also once the class is completed the attendees are invited to join the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. This group provides manpower to the police department during large events and provides extra eyes for the officers as well. The alumni have a police uniform and can be seen at many events around the city. They also provide volunteer administrative services and also hold fundraisers. They recently bought Tasers for the department.

“With today’s media driven climate the academy will give those attending an ‘aha’ moment as they see inside of the operation of the police department and why things are done they way they are,’ Sparks also commented. Another goal of the academy is to build relationships with the public and allow them to feel confident in their police department.

The classes will include: learning to fire and handle a weapon at the firing range, tour the police facility, tour the county jail, see a hands on investigative demonstration including fingerprints, conduct role playing and have access to the firearms training simulator which will create life simulated events.

There is no charge to attend the academy or any of the events. You are guaranteed a valuable investment of your time. You will be enlightened, educated and receive a positive lasting impression of what the Hartselle Police Department is all about. HPD officers and special guests teach the classes. Snacks and drinks will be available at each class as well.

For more information about the classes or to sing up, call 256-751-4912 or log onto the police department’s website at www.hartselle.org.