It's been a few weeks since my graduation from the Owensboro Police Department's Citizens Academy and I got our class photo picture from our instructor. I've always had an interest in law enforcement and knew I just had to attend the Citizens Academy when it began in August. Now, even thou I was excited, the 12 week course seemed a little much at first. Now that it's over, we were all wanting more time with the class.

Here are some of the most impressive things I took away from my short time with the OPD.

We are a very lucky and safe community. We have a police department with a passionate leader and officers who place their successes on you. Yep, throughout the class, we heard repeatedly how they could not do what they do, without the community allowing them to do so. Really, the sincerity of the officers was easily to see. And, they are proud to serve this community.

Also, our OPD is a bunch of bad a... you know what's, ha! We have an incredible K9 unit, a hazardous devices unit (bomb squad), an emergency response team (our version of SWAT), a fingerprint analysis specialist unit, great DARE officers, polygraph specialist and a street crimes unit that can point out a meth lab from a mile away. You know what the most impressive thing about these units is... they are all awesome! And, the entire Tri-State benefits from several of these teams, as they will, if requested, help out other agencies in other jurisdictions. (I know I'm forgetting some departments, but please forgive me!)

I also learned a lot about police procedure that I wasn't aware of. The way that they approach your car when pulled over is about their and your protection, not to aggravate you. Did you know the most dangerous thing a police offer faces is a traffic stop? Think about it... you're walking up on a completely unknown situation, no knowledge of who or what is waiting for you in that car you've just pulled over.

I had some great hands-on experiences during the class, too. The firing range was awesome and I had a great time on my ride-a-long. Who can forget about the night I put on the 90-lb bomb suit and tried to get off the floor in it? Ha! I really was a great experience and I highly recommend y'all attend the next citizens academy!

Here's a big THANK YOU to our Owensboro Police Department from me, Roxianne, Corena and all of our fellow Citizens Academy classmates!

OPD
OPD
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