Dayton Police Department Citizens Academy

I think I hit the perp!

The Dayton Police Department holds a Citizens Police Academy twice a year for Dayton-area residents interested in learning about the police department and I was accepted into a class of 22.

The 12-week course included a K-9 demonstration, presentations from homicide and drugs/vice detectives, a lecture from the police chief, shooting on the department's indoor range, and participating in mock scenarios including traffic stops, evidence collection, and building searches.

The classes were very hands-on, and other lessons cover specialized training and practicing problem-solving skills that officers use to resolve conflicts they see in the line of duty. We were also scheduled to go on a ride-along with an officer on patrol. 

Chris Pawelski ran the course.

Working on a mock traffic stop.

The course ended with a graduation ceremony attended by Dayton Police Chief Richard Biehl and other top-ranking Dayton PD officers at the Good Will-Easter Seals campus in Dayton. A certificate of completion was awarded.