Citizen Police Academy an eye-opener for some

Cape Girardeau Central Junior High School was the setting for the second annual Citizens Police Academy on March 5. Seventeen area residents got to experience a modicum of what police officers encounter on a regular basis.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department led participants through several intense mock exercises. Though no one was in any actual danger, as the day unfolded, participants found themselves with a deeper appreciation for what law enforcement officers encounter and how difficult it is to make split-second decisions in dangerous situations.

Scenarios included crowd control, intoxication, a hostage held at gunpoint and a suicidal person, among others. Gunshots, knife attacks and thrown objects all played a part in the simulations. Though the activities involved actors, paint instead of blood and fake firearms, the lessons learned were no less real and the fear was palpable.

Participant Carol Childers said, "That was intense. It makes you have a great appreciation of what [police officers] do, which I already did." This followed a simulation in which Childers and Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecutor Angel Woodruff were modeling the investigation of a domestic complaint. Childers' decision to lay down her gun resulted in her being shot.

"Shot with my own gun," she lamented.

State Rep. Holly Rehder also received insight into what police face as they endeavor to honor their oath to serve and protect. As the Southeast Missourian recently reported, Rehder remarked that the academy "gave her a better understanding of what police officers face."

We have great respect for our police officers and what they do on a regular basis, but it can be so easy to take for granted the dangers they face and the price they pay. Citizens Police Academy is one way to open our eyes and to remind us of the valuable service they provide to keep us safe.