Public Safety Academy

     Prior to becoming a police officer the extent of my knowledge about this profession was gathered from television and the movies.  Oh my surprise when I discovered that a career in law enforcement was not filled with shoot outs and car chases.  I did not find myself tracking serial killers across the country and much to my dismay everything had to be documented… IN TRIPLICATE.  And this was long before we had computers available.  Most Firefighters can attest to similar feelings regarding fighting fires.

     Many young recruits find themselves in this same state of realization when they begin the Police or Fire Academy.  Hours of classroom lecture, study and tests that ensure that those we serve are afforded what the constitution guarantees.  I was not the person in class who asked, “When do we learn how to analyze DNA?”, but I’m sure many of my classmates were thinking it.  Television and movies have portrayed the best and worst of these professions and for those that don’t have a broader field of knowledge than the media allows, what you see then becomes the reality.

     We are a “WHY” nation.  We have the right to ask that simple one word question in regards to the things that affect our lives.  Police officers are in the position of enforcement; under that guise is the ability to take your money, your freedom or even your life.  Now this is a broad statement but when broken down it begs to be asked, WHY.  If you are pulled over and receive a citation it may cost you money, who wouldn’t question this unplanned expense?  If you break the law and are convicted you may go to jail and lose your freedom, and finally if you pose a threat to another person’s life you could lose yours.  Now there are certainly many other aspects of what police officers do that the public may not understand but these three are generally what the public see’s on the nightly news and often determines public opinion.  A 30 second news story rarely answers the question of “why” so opinions are formulated without all the facts.  “Why did the police officer do what he did”? “Why are they blocking the entire road with that fire truck?” Most police officers and firemen enjoy the question of “Why”.  It allows the opportunity for explanation and ultimately understanding.  If a citizen can be educated about Police and Fire procedures it ultimately makes the job we do easier.  When a citizen understands the “Why” of what is happening it often times will remove the thought that the “why” is because of ego, prejudice or lack of empathy.

     In an effort to promote an understanding of what Police and Firefighters do on a daily basis The Woodstock Police and Fire Departments would like to announce that they are accepting applications for the spring Citizens Public Safety Academy, which will begin on February 27th. Applications are accepted until February 25th...

 The Citizens Public Safety Academy will be held at the Chambers at City Center and will run for eleven weeks from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Thursday’s.  Anyone who is at least 19 years of age, who lives or works in the city can apply for attendance.   All applications are subject to a background investigation prior to acceptance to the class.

 The Woodstock Police and Fire Departments are offering this class in order to strengthen the bond of partnership and cooperation between our citizens and our public safety personnel.  This will also help our citizens gain a better understanding of the risks and responsibilities of our employees. Some of the classes included in this training will be, DUI / Traffic Stops, Criminal Investigations, K-9 demonstrations, First Aid and CPR, Fire Safety and tours of the Fire Department and jail to list a few.  These classes are taught by officers from the Woodstock Police Department and Fire Department.  Citizens who graduate from the Citizens Public Safety Academy will gain a better understanding of the day to day functions of the these Departments. 

 If you are interested in attending the Citizens Police Academy please contact Officer Ryan Bleisath or Officer Leigh Ellerbee at 770-592-6000 ext 1134 or ext 1172. Or Sergeant George Williams at ext 1845 you can also obtain an application at the Woodstock Police or Fire Department.