I got in!

[XD2005]

Ok, I'm not a LEO, but merely a normal citizen (a banker of all things, can't get more normal than that). However, our city has a "Citizen's Academy" for us normal citizens to go to. It runs 10 weeks and we even have a "graduation" at the end...blah blah blah...all I know is I heard we were going to the firing range on a "field trip" and knew I had to put in my application (in all honesty, the whole thing sounds exciting). Fortunately I'm involved in my neighborhood association and know the person in charge, which helped. Over 100 people applied and only about 25 got in. Below is a brief description...

The Vancouver Police Department will be hosting the 2006 Citizens' Police Academy and is currently looking for citizens interested in learning more about the Vancouver Police Department and more specifically about the various jobs and duties that Vancouver Police Officers are responsible for. The Vancouver Police Citizens' Police Academy starts Thursday March 9, 2006 and runs through Thursday May 11th. Classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every Thursday, with a two of the more "hands on" classes being held on additional Saturday sessions. The academy is free, but participants are asked to attend every class.

Topics that will be covered during the academy include law, patrol, traffic, crash investigation and EVOC, a day at the firing range, identity theft, an inside look into the major crimes unit and much more.

[Mike TRT]

XD2005....outstanding, enjoy the ride !! we also have a citizens academy and after they graduate they get to go out on patrol in a squad car that says citizen patrol.

[danp]

Congrats, you'll have a lot of fun and learn A LOT aout what we do. Next you will want to be a reserve!

[XD2005]

Already thought about it...wife not too keen on the idea. It would help if I had the size for it, but when you're 5'8" and 130lbs (not to mention look about 16), you don't garner a whole lot of respect. Maybe I'll try working out for a couple of years and then give it a go.

As for now, I would just be happy organizing a successful neighborhood watch program (if anyone has any great ideas, I'm all ears). If I get re-elected to the neighborhood association board in a couple of months, this will be my next major focus to try to reduce the crime in the area (I've had 2 incidents myself in the 6 months I've lived here). My hope is that by better understanding the various facets of the city police department and have the opportunity to meet and work with the different groups I can create a level of trust and understanding that can help with the successful implementation of a watch program.

[danp]

It ain't the size of the dog in the fight...I've seen plenty of small guys and a few women that have been fine cops. Don't let your size stop you. Your wife is another matter, you can't do this job without your family's support.

If you really want to do it, talk her into going on a ride along. When she sees that a regular night isn't like an episode of "Cops" she may change her mind.

[astral]

EVOC is always fun.

[deezed]

its about saving lives.

[03RangerXLT]

Originally Posted by XD2005

Already thought about it...wife not too keen on the idea. It would help if I had the size for it, but when you're 5'8" and 130lbs (not to mention look about 16), you don't garner a whole lot of respect.

Once you get in the uniform, the pride you feel makes you bigger. I am proud to wear my uniform because I know what means, what it represents, and the scarifices that were made by people wearing the same uniform. I have friends that I graduated with who were in the same major that I was who make twice what I do. But after my first two months, I couldn't trade this for their careers, even though I'd be getting some bank. By the way, I am 6'3" and skinny. In uniform, you will find you carry yourself "bigger".