My Experience in the Police Academy

Last fall, I attended the Holly Springs Citizens' Police Academy and when it was over, wrote a fun blog post about a few of the things I'd learned during our time. With the announcement that for the next academy, I thought I'd share with you some more serious thoughts of why I think everyone should participate in a Citizen's Police Academy at least once.

My reason for participating was primarily to help me be a better fiction writer, but I was also curious about the inner workings of the department. Both of my objectives were met, but I got so much more out of the experience than that.

Our Academy met every other week for three months. Detective Greg Bettis was our primary instructor, but many others provided information each week as we discussed different topics.

We met at the Holly Springs Depot for three hours in the evening. It was a classroom setting, so we could take notes if we wanted, but it wasn't required. The time went fast - so much to learn, and the presentation was so interesting every step of the way. Our class was full, and we ranged in age from young to old (ahem - we won't discuss which category I belonged to), male and female. We had retired police officers from New York (loved those accents!) who added an extra layer of interest to our particular class. (A special recognition to my buddy Walter, a fellow Alabamian who became my friend and partner-in-,er,-law? The Alabama table ruled!)

The lectures were organized well, beginning with the foundation of our country and our laws, and working our way to the local branch of government and the uniform patrol division. Along with the lectures and PowerPoints each week, we were also presented with a "live-action" scenario that allowed us to test our observation skills, and then as the weeks progressed, we learned how to identify the scenario by the Georgia State Code of Law to determine what crimes had been committed and who had committed them. Each week, the scenario changed a little, became more in-depth, and eventually became hands-on rather than just observation.

In one class, we learned how to dust for fingerprints and how to lift them, and then how to collect evidence. After that class, we all decided that every police officer should have a staff of at least three just to handle the paper trail. Never, ever take for granted all that a police officer does in his regular, daily routine. It's phenomenal.

For another class, we went to the firing range where several weapons were discussed and demonstrated. I came home and told my husband I wanted one of the guns - he laughed until I told him it was an assault rifle!

Toward the end of the Academy, we were given the privilege to ride with one of the patrol units. There are no words for this experience - except possibly WOW! On my particular shift, we dealt with a hit-and-run that was more of a bump-and-go, several traffic stops, and then a drug raid! Some of the time was spent waiting and watching, always on alert - other times were spent on the move, always alert. Always expect the unexpected. And that was just in four hours! And don't forget all the paperwork that goes with every, every, every event.

The Holly Springs Citizen's Police Academy gave me a sense of community that I've not had in many years - because we've moved so many times, but also because I made some new friends, and I learned the heart of the police in this town. Greg Bettis said more than once that we don't live in an "us vs. them" society - we have to police ourselves, and we all have to work together to keep our families safe.

The Academy also gave me a sense of pride - those guys love their jobs, their community, their country - I'm proud to know them and proud that they are there keeping law and order for all of us 24/7.

More than anything, the Academy gave me a tremendous sense of respect for all that our law officers do. The scenarios we observed and then participated in, going on patrol - we were able to experience both the mundane and the adrenalin-rush our law enforcement faces on a daily basis. The job is intense, and the pressure is unthinkable - yet they operate with the utmost calm and professionalism I've ever seen. Chief Ken Ball should be commended for his staff, and Detective Greg Bettis should be commended for his incredible vision and passion to make our community a better place for all of us to live.

To paraphrase a line from an old Andy Griffith show, I'm proud to claim Holly Springs as "my hometown."

for the Holly Springs Citizens' Police Academy - you'll be glad you did.

Oh - and if I haven't convinced you yet - since our class, HS got new police cars. They are the "baddest" looking cars on the street ANYWHERE today - I've got to ride in one! (On the right side of the law, that is!)