Feeds'Recruits' wanted for Wayne Citizens' police academy
The Wayne Police Department is offering an inside look at their operations again this year.
Ofc. Matthew Spunar said the department is looking for people interested in the Citizen Police Academy, which gives residents or people who work in the city a look at the day-to-day workings of the department.
“The citizen’s academy is a little different than the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program,” he said. “Its more of an informational program.”
The program, which starts in September, is open to anyone who lives or works in the City of Wayne. The class meets on 11 consecutive Mondays.
“Most people find out about the police department from television or movies,” said Spunar. “It’s nice to give them a chance to see how things really operate. It’s not a thing like it is on TV.”
The class starts Sept. 8.
Topics include evidence collection, special units—like the SWAT, K-9 and Community Oriented Police Crime Reduction Unit (COPCRU)—the use of force as well as daily issues like patrol operations, criminal and more.
“It’s a different officer every week that puts on a presentation,” he said. “It’s a pretty established routine.”
One popular part of the program is the firearms simulator. There is no cost to participate said Spunar. Applications are available at the Wayne Police Department on Michigan Avenue or through the police section of the city website, www.ci.wayne.mi.us.
Spunar said the department has put on the program for about five years now, with more than 50 graduates.
“We’ve always had a positive response from all the citizens that have participated,” he said.
The program is beneficial for the police, too, since they get to know more citizens, he added.
“I think it’s important for the citizens to know how the police department works,” said Spunar. “Having an informed citizenry is very important for the police department.”
