The inagural group of citizens academy students with the Grovetown Police Department graduated on Thursday, July 13.
The graduation came at the end of a 10-week course where the seven citizens learned about the different aspects of police work, went on a ride along, learned about crime scenes, visited the gun range and more. Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens said he thought the academy went well, especially since it was the first one.
“We were obviously apprehensive because this was the first one we had done, so we took in and kind of borrowed from other agencies around and see what would work best for us,” Kitchens said. “I think it went great. I think they enjoyed the hands-on things, the scenarios we put them through, the crime scene processing. I think the DUI presentation that we did, they actually got to see why we do what we do. It was explained to them why we do the one-legged stand and things like that. I certainly think they’re leaving here tonight with a better understanding and maybe in some cases with a better appreciation.”
Councilman Eric Blair was one of the participants of the citizens academy. Blair said it was a great experience and he was happy he could participate in the inaugural class.
“Favorite part for me was the simulated traffic stops and the simulated events or incidences the Grovetown Police might run into on any given basis,” Blair said.
There are plans to hold another citizens academy in the fall, but there will probably be some changes. Kitchens said they’ve discussed incorporating an emergency operations vehicles course (EVOC) and taking the participants out onto the course to let them drive.
“Columbia County has an excellent facility, the sheriff has extended it to us,” Kitchens said. “We want to incorporate that into the next class we’re going to have in the fall. On the scenario-based night we’re going to try and allow them more time, there are several scenarios we wanted to get into, just time didn’t allow it. But other than that, we’re going to kind of go back and put our heads together, but we’re also going to rely on their feedback, what worked for them, what didn’t work for them and go from there.”
While details on the next citizens academy are still being worked out, Kitchens said information will be posted on the Grovetown Police Department Facebook page and on the City of Grovetown Facebook page.
“I would highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn more about what our local law enforcement does,” Blair said.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
