Citizens Academy

I got accepted into the Anchorage Police Department Citizens Academy - no, its not the academy where you can become a police officer, but is a place where citizens can get an up close look into what goes on in the departments and what the officers have to deal with. One night a week for 3 hours we listened to presentations on counterfeiting, gangs, domestic violence, patrol, accident investigations, K-9, crime scene investigations, homicides, cybercrime, drugs, personal safety, and maybe the most fun - we got to shoot some guns that SWAT get to use. Let me just tell you I now would like to have a fully automatic rifle and a taser.

So now what - well, I joined the Alumni group and plan on helping where I can. They use this group at large events like the Governors BBQ, AFN, and random places that need extra eyes. I will be volunteering for the disaster drill held at the airport each year and get to go on two ride alongs and if they ever get a new officer academy going I will just have to volunteer to get drunk and have them practice their DUI protocols.

I did not get a t-shirt after all of this, but did get an incredible opportunity to see the human side of our police force. Oh, but I did get this cool mug from my detective friend - thanks Sherlock!