Citizen's Police academy - Night 1

I was not quit sure what a citizen's police academy looked like so I went with no preconceived notions. What I saw last night of a room full of interested, and interesting people. The first night of the academy was mostly basic introductions and a little of what we would be going over in the next two months.

One surprising item that I did not expect, was that we would be doing ride-alongs with the officers on patrol. That means if you see me in a police car in the next month or so, I probably didn't do anything....probably.

We had four speakers last night. Officer Kriebs, Patrol Commander Dwyer(Seen here), Captain Keith Lowery, and Division Commander Laura Williams. Each went over their specific division and what it did. a lot of stories from their past in the Smyrna police department and the departments history.

For me the most interesting speaker was Mr. Lowery. He's in the tech. division and some of the future plans, and "wants" for Smyrna are pretty impressive. He was a true font of information.

One is the fact that Smyrna police vehicles may be getting a information station for their cars. You have likely seen them in the movies. A small computer keyboard and monitor that links in to national databanks, DMV records, and other needed tools that can speed up their reaction and effectiveness.

He also mentioned something that impressed me. ALL Smyrna police cars have dash cameras. They're there for the protection of the police, and citizens of Smyrna and something I am an advocate of. He mentioned one item that surprised me. They are on the entire shift and it records the data to a hard disc that then burns a portable disc. Mr Dwyer talked about the older VHS recorders that would loose tracking and sound and was a general pain.

Mr Lowery also talked about a full city wide wireless mesh system. It could connect all cars, cameras, and even other surprising items. Imagine if you woke up and could hop on line and see what roads have been plowed as all plows have GPS trackers? The police dispatchers could see exactly were all the patrol vehicles are and send the nearest one to a crime scene. Cutting down response time can easily save a person's life.

The wireless mesh could also connect police close circuit TV cameras at parks and other areas.

One ominous thing he did say was that speed/red light cameras may, just may, be in our future. Ick for many reasons.

Now this wireless mesh system needs big towers, and that costs money. Unless you're smart and piggy back them on other towers, like the future tornado siren towers that are in the planning stage. That's the ideal outcome..

Division Commander Laura Williams talked generally about crime in Smyrna and surprised me with one bit of information. Smyrna has a growing gang problem. We've all seen wannabees walking around looking "thuggish" in a clown like fashion. It turns out there now seems to be the real deal making their presence known.

We also were introduced to the CPA alumni association. Turns out the Citizen Police academy is 11 years old this year. The alumni association does a lot of good things in the community in cooperation with the police department. Helping with parades, working with the "Shop with a cop" program, and other police functions that do not require law enforcement.

All in all, a very pleasant evening.

I also introduced a lot of people to this website. So "HI!" if you're from the academy.