Westlake Community Police Academy begins Sept. 6
Members of the Westlake community can discover how a police department runs and what the officers are trained to do from patrol officers, detectives and civilian staff members during the Westlake Police Department’s 23rd Community Police Academy. The program is free and a cross section of the community is selected for each class. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 18.
“The goal of the academy is to increase understanding between the community and the police department that serves it,” said Lt. Mark Krumheuer, one of the academy’s instructors. “The graduates also become more observant as they go about their daily activities which can make the city a safer place.”
Participants will get hands-on experience in crime scene processing, self-defense and firearms instruction. Other topics include K-9 operations, S.W.A.T., O.V.I. apprehension, law enforcement technology and detective bureau investigations. They will be encouraged to ask questions and express concerns on pertinent issues.
Classes will be held Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning on Sept. 6. The graduation ceremony will be held on the final night, Nov. 15, which family and friends will be invited to attend.
“It’s often the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a police car and drive it on a marked course or conducting a search of a building that may draw a potential student to the course,” said Lt. Jerry Vogel, also an instructor. “But after coming to the station for 3 hours a week for 11 weeks, they leave with new insights on all the inner workings of both their police department and law enforcement as a whole including what officers face on a day to day basis.
“Sometimes they don’t leave,” he laughed. “Several graduates become wonderful volunteers who assist in activities such as at the 4th of July celebration and the Celebrate Westlake race as members of the Police Auxiliary Unit.” Lt. Vogel leads the unit whose members receive additional training before working alongside officers.
Prospective participants must be at least 21 years old and have no criminal record. Preference will be given to those applicants that live or work in Westlake. Class size is limited to 20 students.
The academy is designed with the intent of solidifying the partnership between the community and the Police Department through education and understanding. The academy is NOT designed to assist those seeking to pursue a career in law enforcement.
Applications can be picked up at the Westlake Police Department, 27300 Hilliard Blvd. or online at www.cityofwestlake.org/Police-Academy. For further information, please contact the Westlake Police Department at 440-871-3311 and ask for Lt. Mark Krumheuer (ext. 8246) or Lt. Jerry Vogel (ext. 8245).