By Natalie Morales
Enquirer staff writer

INDEPENDENCE - Police here have a back-up group they count on for reinforcement - not to help solve crimes, but to help raise money for the department.

The Independence Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association, which consists of about 90 residents, is known as one of the most active such groups in Kentucky. Other police support groups, such as the one in Ludlow, look to the Independence group to learn what makes it so strong, said Dave Millward, alumni association president.

"It's a very civic-minded organization of positive people who not only enjoy learning about the police department, but also like to do positive things for the city," he said.

The association hosts a Valentine's Day dance, has garage sales and sells cookbooks to raise money. Members also volunteer at the city's Fourth of July celebration and staff the department's golf outing.

The money collected has been used to buy two pepper ball guns and a padded training suit used to practice defensive techniques. Most recently, members donated $7,200 for the department to buy exercise equipment, said Millward.

Lt. Tony Lucas, the academy class coordinator, said the association, which started in 2000, saves tax money by helping the department get equipment it needs by using donated money.

Members also help with everything from the department's Web site to data entry, Millward said.

Aside from a $10 entry fee, Millward said the only requirement is that members have taken the academy class.

In the free classes, students learn about the daily routine of the city's police, said association member Carol Franzen of Independence.

"You see the amount of things the police are actually doing and thinking about that gives you a level of respect you didn't have before," Millward said. "It gives you a real insight into law enforcement that the average citizen doesn't see."

The academy is holding its ninth class beginning in September, and Walton resident Michele Macdonald can't wait.

"I took the Kenton academy class already, and I can't get enough; I love it," she said. "I'm interested in finding out what they do in their jobs."

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E-mail nmorales@enquirer.com