ACADEMY: Great learning experience

I recently completed a terrific program called the Citizens’ Academy, which was conducted by the police departments of Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene and Rathdrum, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department. It was about how local law enforcement works and I found it amazing and informative. Here are some of the topics which were covered:

• K-9 units: how dogs are chosen, where they live, what they do.

• Interactive discussions with the police chiefs and the sheriff.

• Ride-alongs with officers from any (or all) of the departments as they work their shifts.

• Tours of the Kootenai County jail; the Central and Post Falls Dispatch Centers (where 911 calls are answered); viewing emergency response equipment used by all agencies, including ATVs and boats!

• The Police Academy in Post Falls, which included interacting with training videos.

• How local, state and federal agencies work together.

• How police deal with active shooters.

• Scams and fraud protection (includes credit card fraud) — what to watch out for and how to respond.

• Domestic violence (Post Falls has two full-time people devoted to this).

• School Resource Officers — what they do (it’s not looking for drugs).

• Sexual predators and trafficking.

• Overview of active street gangs.

• Volunteer program opportunities at all agencies, explaining how citizens can help.

• Block Watch/Neighborhood Watch programs.

• How the Prosecutor’s Office works.

• High technology as deployed in law enforcement (communications, license plate readers, GIS).

• Home security.

This program is open to any member of the community and is a worthwhile look at how local law enforcement works, including an overview of national programs. It makes what is seen on the news every day more understandable and informative. I highly recommend it, and anyone wondering about law enforcement owes it to themselves to attend the next session.

BARRY HARRIS

Post Falls