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Health & Fitness

Citizens' Academy Introduces Police

The Woodstock Police Department prepares for the next Citizens' Police Academy to educate the public and strengthen community bonds.

For a group of 25, April 11 marks the beginning of their education in regards to the Police profession and the inner workings of the .

The is an eight-week, in-depth look at what Police Officers do every day. The Woodstock Police Department’s Citizens' Police Academy is a series of educational classes designed to enhance the citizen’s understanding of various aspects within the law enforcement profession. The program is intended to strengthen the relationship between citizens and the Woodstock Police Department, as well as spotlight the responsibilities of law enforcement and the inherent risks associated with the profession. 

Some of the classes offered in this series are Patrol Techniques and functions, Traffic Enforcement, Accident Investigations, Criminal Investigation Procedures, Crime Prevention, SWAT and K-9 Demonstrations. Classes are instructed by officers from the Woodstock Police Department. 

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Past graduates from the Academy have continued on and become members of the Woodstock Police Auxiliary. The Auxiliary members augment Officers during special events within the city as well as participate in more specialized training throughout the year.

As a past instructor for the Academy, it has always surprised me how much inaccurate or misinformation abounds about Police work. There are very clear lines in regards to what Officers can and cannot do in any given situation governed by Department policy and Georgia law. There are very few secrets relative to what Officers do on a daily basis with the exception of ongoing investigations. The Police Department welcomes inquiries of any type and even offers a ride-along program for individuals to get an up close view of what we do.

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I always encourage members of the public to ask questions about anything they may be curious about. The Citizens' Police Academy is a hyper hands-on question and answer experience that will truly open your eyes to another world and way of thinking.

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