Law enforcement agencies to hold citizens police academy

Citizens interested in police work will have an opportunity to receive hands-on training at an upcoming Citizen Police Academy, hosted by the county’s four law enforcement agencies.

Course work begins Sept. 16.

For eight straight weeks, Colusa County residents will be schooled each Tuesday evening on topics relating to law enforcement training, such as patrol operations, gangs, traffic stops, crime scene investigation and community policing.

There are also classes on tactical operations, K-9, narcotics investigations and criminal prosecution.

The program is designed to provide insight into the nature of police work.

“A citizens academy is an opportunity for people to see what we do,” said Williams police Chief Jim Sasso. “People often have a misunderstanding about police work and this will let them see that we don’t just drive around on patrol.”

Saso said participants would also be taught laws of arrest, arrest tactics and laws pertaining to search and seizure. 

The academy is a joint effort, sponsored by the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office, the Williams and Colusa police departments and the Williams-area California Highway Patrol.

Applications are available at any of the four agencies.

Saso said the academy will help citizens to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the participating law enforcement agencies, and give participants a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities and demands that guide Colusa County’s law enforcement agencies and its employees.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, live or work in Colusa County, and have no outstanding warrants for arrest or prior felony convictions.

The Citizen’s Academy serves as an education and community relations program for the citizens of Colusa County about the law enforcement agencies that serve them.  

“I think we are all committed to community policing,” Saso said. “This is the best way to show people how we operate.”

Although graduates of the academy receive no special status as law enforcement officers, Saso said attendance could be beneficial to those interested in attending the police academy or joining a volunteer police service.

There is no charge to attend the academy. For more information or to receive an application contact the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department at 458-0200; Williams Police Department at 473-2661; Colusa Police Department at 458-7777.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.