Citizen Police Academy – Graduation

Tonight was the graduation banquet for the 35th Citizen Police Academy class. The City of Midland gave us a free meal at Clear Springs (an excellent restaurant, by the way). Pictured below is what we received:

Hopefully in December they will offer the COPS (Citizens on Patrol) class. This will certify me to be able to operate a police radio (they let you borrow one when you are out on patrol), and then meet with the officers before their shift begins and find out where the best places to patrol are.

In January, I will join the CPAAA (Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association) which will get me a badge, uniform, and the ability to help with traffic management (football games, concerts, church events, etc), security for the same type of events, and I also hope to get into the Vehicle Parking Enforcement division which will allow me to go out write tickets to people parked in handicap spots.

Now, the downside to all this is that whenever I do this, I’m required to have a partner with me at all times whether I’m doing traffic, patrol, or VPE. If you are interested in this, I’d be happy to tell you more and help you get signed up for the next class so that you can join and we can do this stuff together.