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If you've ever been curious about the inner workings of the police department, what officers carry on their duty belt or when it's appropriate to arrest a person, the Danville Police will offer the opportunity to get answers at its Citizen's Police Academy.

The Academy, which will return in March, is a six-week course offered by the Danville Police Department designed to educate residents on the intricacies of law enforcement. Students will learn about patrol procedures, criminal investigations, hostage and crisis negotiations, and the use of force. The open forum and hands-on exposure gives participants a view of law enforcement through the eyes of a police officer.

"The interactive, friendly approach of the Citizen Academy allowed me a clear window to see into the criminal justice system," said Alicia Perdue.

Throughout the course, participants are expected to make life or death decisions in milliseconds during the force options simulator and even get the opportunity to experience high speed pursuit driving. The interactive approach is designed to allow attendees to experience some of the factors influencing the decisions made by police officers on a regular basis.

The education of these members of the community helps create ambassadors within the town of Danville that have a more rounded understanding of the challenges of police work, a release stated.

"Even though I knew no real harm could come to me during the force options simulator, my heart rate increased and my palms grew sweaty and I hesitated in making a decision resulting in my being shot," recent academy grad Steve Barnett said. "What a marvelous experience to see just some of the split second decision- making expected of our police officers."

Citizen's Police Academy classes are held on Wednesday evenings beginning March 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with one Saturday class. All classes are led by police officers, sergeants, detectives, SWAT officers and deputy district attorneys. For more information or to enroll contact Sergeant Jason Haynes at 314-3725 or Jhaynes@danville.ca.gov Jhaynes@danville.ca.gov.

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