Citizen's Police Academy looking for students

From patrolling the streets to crime scene investigation, SWAT intervention to how various courts handle cases, there's likely never a dull moment for citizens who attend the Kilgore Police Department Citizens Police Academy.

The eight-week academy, the fourth in KPD's history, begins Tuesday, Sept. 1, and Lt. Roman Roberson, KPD public information officer and academy coordinator, reports there is still room for up to 10 more students to join.

"The Citizens Police Academy gives you an inside look at how law enforcement operates versus what you see on television," Roberson said.

Classes are held every Tuesday night from 6:30 to 8:30, with the exception of the first session, which begins at 6, when Carl Dorrough, Gregg County district attorney, will give an overview of his office's part to keep law and order around these parts.

On Sept. 8, Officer Jarod Sears will discuss patrol procedures and Lt. Tony Stone will discuss DWI laws and procedures, which Roberson said is "always a real popular class."

The following week, Sept. 15, Roberson will talk about criminal investigations and crime scenes and Angela Burch, property evidence officer, will discuss her job as well as show students fingerprint dusting techniques.

KPD's canine officer, Brady Middlebrooks, will be in charge of the Sept. 22 session and K9 Officer Jeroen will actually bite someone for showand tell (don't worry, the bitten offender will be wearing a special suit for the exercise). Also, Sgt. Davis Merrill will present a drug demonstration and talk about the most popular drugs on the street today, and Officer Jeroen will find hidden narcotics.

On Sept. 29, Marti Monk will discuss the work of radio dispatchers and keeping records, followed by a presentation about Kilgore's municipal court, given by either Judge Patsy Haynes or Glenn Phillips. "That's always an interesting course," Roberson adds.

The use of deadly force and some real time using a firearm simulator will be the topics for the Oct. 6 class. Roberson said students will use laser-gun software that simulates real situations to learn when and when not to shoot and whether or not to exercise deadly force. "It's all about making split-second decisions," Roberson adds. Merrill, KPD firearms instructor, will lead this class.

On Oct. 13, members of the area SWAT team will give a demonstration. Run by Longview Police Department, the SWAT unit is staffed by members of various departments within the county, including two officers from KPD. Sgt. Johnathan Gage of Kilgore will be the instructor. Officer J.B. Pierce, school resource officer, will also give a presentation about the work these officers do with Kilgore students.

The last Tuesday, Oct. 20, is graduation night. Students also have the opportunity to sign up for ride-alongs with KPD officers.

"They can sign up to ride whenever they choose — we're open 24 hours a day," Roberson said. "Riding along with our patrolmen is always an eyeopener for students. Most people are surprised at what goes on on a daily basis in Kilgore."

Roberson said the academy is fun and interesting, and he hopes all of the slots will be filled before the first class begins.

"There are so many misconceptions, what we can and can't do as law enforcement, and hopefully the academy clears up a lot of misconceptions," Roberson explained. "We're also trying to promote more interest and work together with the community to help solve the problem of crime. We can't do it all. We have to have the citizens backing us and assisting us."

With more than 11,000 residents and only four of five officers working the streets at any given time, Roberson said police work can be daunting without concerned citizens.

"We want to educate them but the academy helps to educate us, too, to better serve our citizens — it's a two-way street," he said.