SIKESTON ACADEMY STRIVES TO BRING POLICE, CITIZENS CLOSER

SIKESTON -- Chief Jim Leist started his first Citizens' Police Academy with a dose of humor.

Thursday night he passed out a cartoon depicting a policeman standing before a crowd of people. A sign behind the officer said "Community Meeting," and the caption reads: "The police chief has called to say he's been delayed, but he would like for you to go ahead and start criticizing without him."

It evoked a laugh from the readers -- many saw the chief often through months of community meetings. As violent crimes became more prevalent in Sikeston, the Department of Public Safety chief became the target of criticism.

But there have been changes in the department, and more people are ready to work with Leist and his staff. About 25 attended the first academy class to learn more about the department, its various divisions and how it operates.

"We get a lot of questions about why we do this and that," Leist said. "For too many years, police departments have been looked at as secretive. I want people to see we are just human beings doing a job."

Unfortunately, he said, most people learn about police because of complaints. Perhaps someone they know is arrested for a reason they don't understand, or they call the police for help and the response isn't what they expected.

Others may have "Support Your Local Police" bumper stickers on their cars and not know why the officers deserve support.

The academy is expected to clear up people's questions. It will last eight to 10 weeks and cover department history, the fire division, Drug Awareness and Resistance Education, Community Oriented Policing and other topics. A variety of officers will teach courses.

Thursday night's class attracted Sikeston residents of different ages, races and social backgrounds. One elderly woman was there because she lives alone and wanted to know how to keep safe in her home. A young man wanted to learn more about becoming a police officer.

Ray Williams, who two years ago hosted the first organized community meeting about Sikeston crime, stopped in to congratulate Leist for starting the academy. Williams plans to sign up for the next session.

"It's fantastic, the difference working together has made," Williams said. "The academy makes people aware of what kind of job the police have to do. They have a tough job -- a very tough job."

Sikeston isn't the only area department to start an academy. Jackson Police Chief Marvin Sides is trying to get people in his city interested in one. He recently sent letters to various Jackson organizations encouraging them to get involved.

Any interested Jackson resident can get more information on the academy from police headquarters.