Johnson County law enforcement leading four-week program giving insight about policing - The Gazette
IOWA CITY — A four-week program led by local law enforcement is looking to give residents a better understanding of policing, as share information about available resources.
The “Behind the Badge” program will be led by police in Iowa City and North Liberty, as well as the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and University of Iowa Department of Public Safety.
There also will be information from community partners, including the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, Rape Victim Advocacy Program and CommUnity Crisis Services, said Daisy Torres, community outreach assistant with Iowa City police.
The program is a shorter version of the 10-week Citizens Police Academy, which is not taking place this year due to COVID-19 and staffing issues at area agencies, Torres said.
During the weekly three-hour sessions, individuals will learn about K-9 officers, bomb squad, special response team and crisis intervention.
The area law enforcement agencies also will share information about their respective initiatives and programs, Torres said.
“Just showing folks there's lots of ways to go about things, and we're doing our best to make sure it's a comprehensive approach,” Torres said.
This is the first time a shorter program is being offered, Torres said. She added if it goes well, it can potentially be added in the fall to supplement the Citizens Police Academy, which usually happens in the spring.
“Maybe looking at is this something that's reasonable and perhaps not as time intensive as CPA,” Torres said. “Can we provide this in the fall as maybe an opportunity for those that didn't get in for CPA or maybe want to a different taste because traditionally CPA doesn't include community partners.”
Prior to the pandemic, Torres said participation for the police academy was going well. The group signed up for the academy in 2020 reached the maximum 50 people but was canceled due to the pandemic, she said.
The four-week program has 25 spots available for those who are interested. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Participation has definitely been going up but then obviously it stopped, so our hope is that we can still provide it even if it's to about half the size of that group,” Torres said.
Torres said some of the takeaways past participants of the academy have shared was they weren’t aware of the training officers go through and the resources available in the area.
The course will be held on Wednesday nights starting with March 23 at the Joint Emergency Communication Center, 529 Melrose Ave. in Iowa City. The final session on April 13 will be at the UI Department of Public Safety, 200 S. Capitol St.
The cost to participate is $10, but the fee can be waived for eligible participants. Cash or checks made out to the City of Iowa City are accepted.
“We do want people to feel invested, but we don't also want (the cost) to be a barrier for attending, so there is a scholarship available if folks are eligible,” Torres said.
Applications can be found online on the City of Iowa City’s website and are to be mailed or dropped off at the Iowa City Police Department, North Liberty Police Department or University of Iowa Police Department.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on March 11 to be considered. Approved applicants will be notified by email about one week after their application has been received.
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source: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/johnson-county-law-enforcement-leading-four-week-program-giving-insight-about-policing/
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