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Published: Tuesday, Mar. 09, 2010 / Updated: Tuesday, Mar. 09, 2010 12:14 PM

Go hands-on with law enforcement

Sign up for York County Citizen’s Academy by March 26

LAKE WYLIE -- 

You don’t have to be a trained sheriff’s deputy to get an inside look at local law enforcement. You just have to sign up.

For the second time ever, the York County Sheriff’s Office will open its Citizen’s Academy to the public. The program offers participants insight into “major operational aspects” of the office, including tours of and information about the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit.

“It is relatively new,” Lt. Mike Baker, crime prevention coordinator, said of the program held only once before in early 2007. “The course of instruction is geared toward the average citizen who wants to learn more in-depth about police work and the Sheriff’s Office.”

Classes begin April 5, meeting at 6:30 p.m. Mondays for 13 weeks. Classes will run about two-and-a-half hours, with possible offerings on Saturdays, too. Participants must be 18 or older and pass a background check. Applications must be submitted by March 26.

“The classes should be of interest to those considering a career in law enforcement, those who want to do police ride-alongs, persons who are considering becoming a reserve deputy or citizens who just want to learn what police work is really like,” he said.

The program itself does not include certifications beyond the 13 weeks, Baker added.

“The classes do not provide any type of qualification, or certification to participants but it does expose them to the resources and activities that are available to them,” he said. “They would be better able to volunteer within law enforcement agencies after completing the familiarization courses.”

While relatively new in York County, the idea of similar partnerships between law enforcement and citizen volunteers is not. In Gaston County, a Citizens’ Police Academy begun 17 years ago now offers 11 weeks of experience in communications, community policing, property and evidence, patrol procedures, juvenile unit, repeat offenders, criminal investigations, school resource officers, Drug Abuse Resistance Education, records, criminal law, accreditation, training and employee development, crime analysis, special investigations, crime scene, hazardous devices, victim assistance, K-9, animal control, environmental crimes and ride-alongs.

“The best one everybody loves now is crime scene,” said Sgt. Charles McCants. “Everybody loves that. A lot of the stuff on TV is true, but a lot of stuff on TV takes longer than an hour. It can take months or sometimes years.”

Gaston County Police Department not only offers the program for adults, but also a summer youth program for ages 12-15. The efforts already boast so many graduates that in 1996, the department began its Alumni Association with monthly meetings and “a ready pool of volunteers to assist with a variety of departmental functions” including Crime Stoppers, records assistance, catering academy graduations and manning information booths at events.

“It is a great public relations tool,” McCants said. “It tells the public how we operate and how their tax dollars are being spent, and it offers a little insight into the day-to-day operations of the police department.”

In Mecklenburg County, volunteers age 18 and older can get training in animal care and control, mobile radar unit, division offices, felony investigations bureau, bilingual volunteer unit, parking enforcement unit, community involvement/recruitment, crime scene search unit and special events. Volunteers also can participate in the popular Citizens on Patrol and Lake Citizens on Patrol programs, where residents age 21 or older patrol streets and waterways in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department vehicles performing similar tasks regular officers might, but without weapons.

“We think it’s a valuable program,” said Officer Tom Allen, who until recently headed the CMPD Citizens Academy. “It’s user-friendly, and it runs the full gamut, but if people just want to take one of classes offered, they can do that too.”

The programs run at least once a year. Background checks are required for some training.

“The majority of the classes, anyone can take,” Allen said.

Citizens on Patrol volunteers must complete 110 hours of training and donate at least 16 hours of service each month for at least six months.

Anyone interested in the York County program should visit yorkcountysheriff.com for an application form. The deadline to apply is March 26. For more information, call Lt. Brian Boling at 803-628-6257.