Citizen Police! Citizen Police!

Me receiving Certificate from APD Chief Turner

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in the City of Atlanta Citizen Police Academy. That was quite an interesting endeavor and I learned so much about the workings of the police. During the course of the academy, which lasted about 7 weeks, we were able to see some really 'oh my God' pictures and videos. When I tell you that policing is NOT as easy as you might think, please believe me.

During one of the classes, we actually had to do simulations where we had to put on vest and mask and encounter bad guys (portrayed by the instructors at the academy). Everything happens sooooo fast and you dont realize what's happening until all is said and done. The scenario took place at a school where the perp was terrorizing the kids and teachers. There were gunshots from inside the school, but I didnt know exactly where. I slowly entered the building and approached the room where I last heard shots. That was scary......

Anyway, as I approached the room, the perp ran out and started shooting at me. I identified myself as the police and returned fire. And yes, I got him, shot him as he was shooting at me and trying to run at the same time. When he jumped out at me with his gun, I identified myself as the police, but I was also shooting back at the same time. My shots hit Him in the back. The Lieutenant said that I did good because in similar situations (someone shooting at you), you may not have time to identify yourself.

 Now to the outside observer, it would seem that the perp was just trying to run away and I just shot him in the back. But that was NOT the case. He was shooting at me, while he was running. So, I shot back in order to protect myself. That was the whole purpose of the exercise. Things are not always so clear cut and you cant say what's happening unless you are directly involved in it at that moment. Man, that was a hoot and it really got my adrenaline rushing. And that was the first time, in my life, that I had ever fired a gun. Ever! And no, these weren't guns with real bullets, but ones designed for training purposes.

I also had the opportunity to ride along with police officers as they answered 911 calls. I was able to see how the officers receive the calls and what happens when they are on the streets protecting the citizens, even though I already knew much of this since I was a 911 Dispatcher back in the 90's. But it was a great to experience those ride-alongs again.




CPA Class, APD Commanders and Academy Instructors



My CPA Certificate

After we completed the course, we actually had a graduation, at City Hall, with the Police Recruits, who were also graduating. My class marched in behind the recruits, shook hands with all of the Brass, and received our certificates.

Participating in the CPA means getting more aware and in some cases, involved, in what is happening in the communities in our city. Overall, it was an excellent experience and I am grateful for the chance to have participated in it.

Destined for Purpose: Empowered with Passion:

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