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closeCitizen’s Academy offers a glimpse into the field of law enforcement
Roxanne Cooke
The success of the Sumner Citizen’s Academy shows — this is the fifth year for the program, and not much has needed to be changed. There’s even a waiting list.
The Citizen’s Academy is a 13-week program that consists of lectures, hands-on activity and field trips that show residents what it’s like to work in law enforcement.
“It allows the community a real life look into how police work is performed day-in and day-out in this community,” said Sumner Police Chief John Galle.
Evaluations filled out by previous participants are mostly positive, said Sumner Communications Officer Pamela Mandery, coordinator of the program. Suggestions are usually along the lines of “More, please.”
“We haven’t changed anything because it’s been so successful,” she said.
The goal of the program is to build a partnership between police and the community, Mandery said. It’s about getting to know officers and what their jobs entail, and it’s also an opportunity for residents to offer feedback to their police department.
“We just wanted to find a way that we could get the police department together with the citizens and the community,” Mandery said. “Not only do they learn from us, but we learn just as much from them as well.”
In one portion of the program, participants learn how and when to use weapons. They’re put into “shoot, don’t shoot” scenarios and learn how police make life-or-death decisions.
“When they get done, they are in awe,” Mandery said.
Sumner resident Robin Shea, her husband and son participated in the Citizen’s Academy last year. Shea’s son, who is interested in law enforcement, used the program for his senior project at Sumner High School.
Shea said she came out of the class with a greater respect for law enforcement, and that it was enlightening to see the justice system from an officer’s perspective.
“I would recommend it to everybody,” Shea said. “Each and every class was very interesting.”
Because of the program, Shea is involved in setting up a neighborhood block watch.
“I think that every person should have an opportunity to take a class like that,” she said.
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CITIZEN’S ACADEMY
> To apply, pick up an application at City Hall, 1104 Maple St. or visit the city’s Web site, www.ci.sumner.wa.us.