Citizen's Arrest!!! Citizen's Arrest!!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a cop??? Even for a day??? Well, I have and now I have the opportunity of a lifetime. For the past five weeks the 2011 Elm Grove Citizen Police Academy has been underway. Each week 12 classmates have been exposed to the day in the life of a police officer. Each of us applied with the understanding that we would attend 10 weeks of classes averaging about 3 1/2 hours per week along with a "ride along" experience and time at the police shooting range. This is only a fraction of the time required to actually become a police officer.

My participation in this program stems from my great respect for our law enforcement officers and the difficult job that they have. To give you a flavor for the content of our first five weeks I have included a brief synopsis.

Week 1: Elm Grove Citizen Police Academy... "Patrol Procedures." I learned a lot in the first three hours of class. Most importantly, "Hands can hurt us." 

Week 2: "Arrest Procedures"... Tonight I was feeling sick so I opted not to be "tazed"... and from what we witnessed it looked very painful. (I have volunteered to be tazed when the opportunity presents itself again. I should also mention that my eight siblings all voted in favor of me being tazed too!!! Stay tuned for my photos and thoughts on being tazed. :)

Week 3: "Alcohol Awareness"... We had two guests tonight who spent the evening volunteering to drink and be tested for sobriety. Yes, they did have designated drivers. I may have to volunteer for this role once I graduate from the academy. :)

Week 4: "Canine Unit & D.A.R.E"...  We had a change of schedule and we learned about the German Shepherd, Qai, (and Sergeant Gus Moulas) and their work as the Canine Unit. Officer Sandy Brown discussed her role as D.A.R.E. officer. Please consider making a donation to the D.A.R.E. Program. (Currently, the D.A.R.E. Program is being taught in 5th grade at Tonawanda, St. Mary's and Elm Grove Lutheran elementary schools in Elm Grove.)

Week 5: "Traffic Stops"... I drove a squad car and assessed a traffic stop situation tonight. (I especially enjoyed working the siren!!! :)

As my experience continues, I will keep you informed about my new adventures.

Thanks to Sergeant Kubiak and the rest of the Elm Grove Police Department for involving citizens in what you do!!!

Back on the beat...

Kathy Vincent (aka Officer "wanna be" Vincent) :)