Ever since the Orlando, Fla., police department started the first citizens police academy in 1985, departments have learned something: many people actually like the police.

        In starting academies that train Mr. and Ms. Citizen in everything from fire prevention to firearms handling, departments have found friends in communities where it seemed there were none. The academies are springing up all around the Tristate.

Acting out a situation police must deal with are academy student Pat Dean (left), of Northbrook, and Sgt. Mike Horton and Colerain Officer Joe Hendricks, with hands raised. (Jeff Swinger photos) | ZOOM |

        During the programs, officers teach watered-down courses in police work. Many academies include police ride-alongs; some offer firearms train ing. Each course, lasting nine to 12 weeks, depending on the department, gives officers and citizens a chance to interact with their guard down.

        “It gives people the inside scoop,” said Officer James Welch, Crescent Springs Police. “We're not the secret society any more.”

        And academy graduates become the department's staunchest supporters.

        In Forest Park, when the city council proposed cutting police funds, academy graduates showed up at the meeting wearing their citizens academy shirts - different colors representing each class. Their presence and their vocal support swayed council members. Under pressure, council decided not to vote.

        When they started, police were not sure the impact these classes would have. Many were skeptical. But the effect has been good, and surprising.

        “I could have not imagined the results we have had so far,” said Mike Ward, Crescent Springs police chief. The department is wrapping up its first academy. “It's exceeded my wildest expectations.”

        Tom Cocagne, 57, knows the police well. And it's not only through the police academy. Years since his days running from police for various crimes, he said, he now learns alongside them in the Crescent Springs citizens academy.

        “It's amazing,” the Villa Hills resident said. “When I come to a stop sign I find myself being 100 percent concerned of the laws.

Sheriff's Sgt. Mike Horton portrays a suicidal person with academy student Sandy Ficker. | ZOOM |

        “I don't want to give these guys any problems,” he said, motioning toward some Crescent Springs officers.

        Colerain Township, which recently graduated its sixth academy, has been offered help for everything from building a booking desk to directing parking traffic during an annual festival and department fund raiser.

        Gail Hallgath, 63, graduated from Colerain's academy two years ago. Her attitude toward police improved after taking the class.

        “I learned that these guys ... are human beings. And that was very important to me,” she said. “They're neighbors, they're friends. My heart goes out to them. They're our heroes.”

        She took it one step further, volunteering to fill in for an ailing receptionist.

        Besides improving community relations, police now have allies combating crime.

        In Orlando, volunteers must participate and graduate from the academy before they can help in the department. Once they do, graduates patrol Orlando streets in cars with yellow lights and two-way radios.

        When they see crime or come upon a traffic accident, they radio dispatchers and police respond, Orlando Police Officer Nadine Piazza said. Volunteers also staff their department's gift shop.

        Colerain Township Police and its academy graduates have developed similar programs.

        Jerry Knab, a 26-year-old businessman, academy graduate and avid police volunteer, has inspired his fellow citizens to help keep shopping safe during the holidays.

        Working with Colerain officers, Mr. Knab has formed a citizens' patrol in Northgate Mall. They have been keeping track of activities in the mall since before Christmas and will continue their patrol until Sunday.

        “We're trying to be the eyes for the police department,” he said.
       

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