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Citizen's Academy
The Joplin Police Department recently started the Citizen's Academy program after several years without classes. Police Chief Edward Dennis said this is one of the most successful programs he has used to get the community involved in crime prevention. Shortly after arriving here in Joplin as Chief of Police, Edward Dennis announced he wanted to reinstate the Citizen's academy. The first class in five years began in August of 1998. Citizens are encouraged to sign up to learn more about what police do on a daily basis. "It's not always as exciting as it is on the TV. show COPS", says Chief Dennis, "But we hope it will be entertaining and a learning experience for everyone involved." Participants meet once a week for about 3 hours for 11 weeks. They learn different aspects of police work from writing tickets, investigating a crime scene or auto accident, to firearms training. The most exciting night for most is when the students are told to search a building that has a burglar inside. They are given real guns that are fixed to fire foam simulation bullets. Very few "Cadets" lived through the search in our last class. Anyone wanting to participate in the academy or if they have questions about the program, are encouraged to call Paula Bone at 623-3131 ext. 477, or they may e-mail the Department at the address below. The next class will begin somewhere around late summer
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Send mail to BLewis@joplinpolice.org with
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