The Police academy and you.

The city website has announced that the Smyrna police is offering up a citizen police academy that may be of interest to some.

Smyrna Police Department's Citizen's Police Academy Gears Up

We are gearing up for the upcoming Citizen's Police Academy The new class will begin on February 15th 6:30-9:30. The application deadline is February 8th. Applications can be obtained here or at the police police department. You can also apply online. The goal of the CPA is to educate Smyrna citizens about the structure and activities of their police department. The CPA class is not a "training" class, but is an exciting "information" class, a behind- the-scenes look at the SPD.

The specific website describes the classes that you would take part in.

Police Departments across the nation have adopted the "Community Policing" philosophy. Locally, the Smyrna Police Department has implemented different ways of working more closely with citizens on problem-solving in the community.
The Citizens Police Academy will provide participants with an opportunity to gain a broad perspective of the police profession. The nine week Academy is designed to give citizens an overview of the department's functions and procedures, while providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and concerns relating to the community. However, be aware the Academy is not designed to train the participants to perform any law enforcement services.

Some of the topics covered in the Academy are:

History of Law Enforcement
Communications
Patrol
Traffic Enforcement
The Judicial System
Defensive Tactics / Officer Survival
Tactical Operations
D.A.R.E.
Gangs
Domestic Violence
Child Abuse
Criminal Investigations
Narcotics
K-9 Operations
S.W.A.T Operations
Fire Safety and Equipment- Smyrna Fire Department

I wasn't sure how hard it would be for someone like me, with limited mobility and horrible knees, to take part in this academy.

I had my doubts answered at the January 18th Town Council and Planning Commission meeting. I talked with Rick Hall. He is the Rutherford county commissioner for district 12. I have seen him many times in the past at the town meeting and thought he was there as a police representative. The firearm and handcuffs on his belt was a big giveaway of his job. I didn't know until a couple of weeks ago that he also a county commissioner.

I introduced myself to him as from "This is Smyrna, Tn" website and asked him about the city police academy and my worries. He said that even with limitations such as mine, that I should have no problems making it through.

I'm very tempted to apply but for one problem. The classes are on Thursday night, the same nights that the city has their regular workshops. The workshop where I first heard of the smoking ordinance. So right now I'm rather conflicted.

Now not everyone can take part in this academy. There are some limitations that need to be noted.

Background investigations will be done on all applicants. Potential candidates must also meet the following criteria:

Live or work in the Town of Smyrna, or have a vested interest in the growth, development or cultural well-being of the community.
No Felony convictions.
No convictions for DUI, any drug offense or any offense involving moral turpitude.
No history of mental illness.
Applicants must be approved by the Chief of Police Michael Beach. Written notifications will be sent to those that are accepted.

I try so hard to keep my personal political views from this website, but forgive me this small rant.

No convictions for DUI, any drug offense

There is one thing in common between most youth in America. They are dumber then a rock, and have a sense of immortality. This leads them to do some seriously foolish acts while young. How long should these youthful acts follow them, and hinder them? Should a 60 year old maid who doesn't even cross against the light, be kept from these classes for driving to the store after having a mint julep when 16 back in the 60's?

Other then that I think this would be a great activity to take part in.