Rusk’s Citizens Police Academy hits midway mark

The first ever Rusk Citizens Police Academy saw its halfway point last week and academy participants are getting some hands-on field work. Academy participants have gotten to use a TAZER; do mock high-risk traffic stops as both the police and the suspects; drive the city’s patrol cars; conduct field sobriety tests on one another; and are getting the chance to do crime scene investigation – complete with finger-printing and blood spatter analysis – and some time on the firing range in the upcoming weeks. “This has been a wonderful experience,” Academy cadet Jeanie Swink said. “I’m definitely getting a better understanding of the dangers our police officers face on a daily basis, especially when they have a situation where they have to make some split second decisions. “I hope the department is able to have more classes like this.” Academy cadets Rickey and Marilyn Cleveland agreed. “We’re both having a great time – we look forward to it every week,” Marilyn Cleveland said. Rickey Cleveland added he’s learned a lot so far. “It’s a lot more dangerous than I thought it was,” he said. “And it seems like, in some cases, they can’t do what they need to do, because the law won’t let ‘em. Their hands are really tied in certain ways.” Both the Clevelands would enthusiastically recommend signing up for the next Academy. “You never know what’s going to happen next,” Marilyn Cleveland said. The eight-week class was organized by the Rusk Police Department to help give citizens an insight to better understand police procedures, responsibilities and the demands police officers face. “We organized this to help our department grow and strengthen the positive connections with our community,” Rusk Police Chief Joe Williams said during the first Academy class, held Tuesday, Jan. 8. “The ultimate goal of the Citizens Police Academy is to improve the relationship and rapport between the Rusk police and the citizens of Rusk. The program also gives citizens the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions. This two-way communications between police officers and the public has proven to be an effective, successful way to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Citizens Police Academy.” Anyone interested in participating in future Academys, can ontact the Rusk Police Department, (903) 683-2677, to find out when.