Academy instructs residents how Cape Girardeau police operate

The Citizens Police Academy offered through the Cape Girardeau Police Department won't turn residents into law officers, but it will inform them as to what goes on inside the police department on a daily basis.

By taking part in the academy, people will have a better appreciation of police operations, Cpl. Jason Selzer said. The department is holding the academy from 6 to 8 p.m. beginning Feb. 15 at police headquarters and continuing with weekly two-hour sessions for seven weeks through March 29.

Selzer said between 10 and 20 people attend the academy, which began in the Cape Girardeau Police Department in 1997.

"This is for citizens who are really interested in what goes on here," Selzer said.

The academy will familiarize residents with the department's daily activities and services, he said, and promote cooperation between the police department and community.

Participants attend a classroom setting, where representatives from various departments will talk about their responsibilities, provide demonstrations when applicable and answer questions.

"It could be anything, from what happens when someone files a basic police report to details of the Special Response Team," he said.

Selzer added that graduates will have a better understanding of who to contact if they witness a crime, the importance of staying away from a crime scene and what happens in subsequent police investigation procedures. Graduates are eligible to volunteer at the police department by doing paperwork and can go on ride-alongs, he said.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621 and ask for Cpl. Ike Hammonds at extension 1124, Sgt. Barry Hovis at extension 1094, or Selzer at extension 1145.

carel@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127