By LANA CLIFTON
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, a limited number of Bryant residents will have an opportunity to learn more about how the police department operates. An annual event, the Citizen Police Academy will have one session a week for eight weeks from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The sessions will include a meal. The Bryant Police Department will sponsor and run the event.
Sgt. Jenceson Payte is in charge of the program. He said this is a chance for people to get a better sense of what police do and how they do it.[more]
“This is a program to bridge the gap between citizens and the police department,” said Payte. “It lets them see the other side of law enforcement.”
Each week, a different aspect of police work will be highlighted. The opening night, Sept. 22, will be an orientation. In the weeks to follow, the citizens enrolled in the program will learn about using force, traffic stop dynamics, domestic violence, crime scene investigation, fire arms use, S.W.A.T. teams, internet safety and identity theft and police service dogs. Nov. 17 will be graduation night. Sessions will include instruction, demonstrations and hands-on experience.
To make sure there is a proper ratio between police and participants, the number allowed to enroll will be capped at 25. Only a few spots are left at this time. Anyone interested in enrolling may contact Sgt. Payte at 847-0211 to see if there is still room. If not, he said they may be added to a waiting list for next year.
