Once every semester, Stan State’s University Police Department (UPD) accepts applications of 16 individuals to participate in their Citizens Police Academy.
This semester’s academy started on Feb. 28 and meets every Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m.
It offers a chance for the selected individuals to learn more about the responsibilities and procedures of law enforcement for officers on campus and in the state of California. This is done through lectures, activities, discussions and hands-on training.
While checking in with the academy this past Wednesday, it was clear that participants enjoyed spending time with their campus officers. All members of the academy were very engaged to the lecture and associated activities.
“It’s really nice. We get to know them on a more personal level,” Professor Jason Pourtaverdi (Criminal Justice Department) when speaking about our campus police officers.
Even for someone who has previous knowledge like Pourtaverdi, the Citizens Police Academy gives its participants a fresh look on what they know.
“I always tell my students to participate,” Pourtaverdi added. “I took part because people ask what happens there and it’s like ‘well, I don’t know.’ Now that I’m here I’ve learned quite a bit. I have a background in criminal defense work, so I’ve seen the police reports, I’ve seen these videos and what not, it’s nice to their perspective as they are doing their jobs. I’ve already learned a couple of things, even with my background.”
Coral Rojas (sophomore, Psychology) said, “You get more insight on all the stuff that they do on a day-to-day basis. I really like it, I think I’ve learned a lot. There’s a lot of things that I do learn which I’m really grateful that I came.”
Rojas also added that it gave them an ability to build relationships with the officers involved.
“I feel that when you get to know the police officers and when you get to know the chiefs in command, its less of the mentality of us versus them,” Rojas said. “It’s more of you bring together because you know them on a more personal level. Now I feel more comfortable saying hi to him [Chief Strode].”
This is exactly what the Citizens Police Academy is for. It is meant to not only enlighten participants, but also bring together the Stan State community and their officers.
When talking about the purpose of the Citizens Police Academy, Chief Clint Strode said, “To be open so that the people know who we are. It gives the people a chance to know us and feel comfortable calling us.”
It’s the hopes that each semester more people apply for the Citizens Police Academy. Whether or not you are involved with Criminal Justice does not matter because it’s meant to be a place for everyone to learn and grow.