Citizens Police Academy course teaches residents about law enforcement

Anita Badrock was told she would be serving a warrant but found herself caught in gunfire.

This was just one of the scenarios Badrock confronted in a video simulator as part of the Chapel Hill Citizens Police Academy class.

Badrock was one of eight participants who went through the 10-week program, which was started to teach interested residents about police training.

After meeting every week for three hours, the second class graduated Oct. 25.

Badrock said the program made her appreciate the work of the town’s law enforcement.

“I walked away with a lot of knowledge about how they protect ‘the Hill’ and got a good idea of how my tax dollars are used,” she said.

Participants learned about 12 topics, including community services, the criminal justice process and the use of force.

By learning about the topics police officers are trained for, Badrock said she realized their role in the town’s daily activities.

“I now think about their presence every day, not just when I need them,” she said. “They have a great impact daily and over time.”

Rich Bishop, another graduate, said he has a greater amount of respect for police officers.

“There is a lot of uncertainty with their jobs, and I see that it’s very difficult,” he said.

Lt. Troy Smith, coordinator for the Citizens Police Academy, said the relationships built between residents and officers are an important result of the program.

“For both police and citizens, it is a win-win situation,” he said.

To participate in the program applicants must live in Chapel Hill, pass a background check and be at least 18 years old, Smith said.

To make the program more accessible, the department doesn’t charge a fee, he said.

Bishop said it is a great incentive for participants that the program is free. He leads his neighborhood watch group and said he hoped the program would help him better interact with police.

“I was also curious as to what police do on a day-to-day basis and how things work at the station,” he said.

The class participated in a mock hostage situation and got to see firsthand how the Special Emergency Response Team, or SERT, worked in action.

“We went to an off-site location and pretended to be hostages,” Bishop said.

Badrock said the way the rescue team saved the trainees was flawless and amazing.

Bishop said they also learned how SERT helps rape and domestic violence victims.

“They described to the class real situations,” he said. “They stay with the victims throughout the whole recovery process.”

He said he learned how SERT plays a vital role in the Chapel Hill Police Department.

Bishop said the program looked for its participants’ feedback to tailor it for future classes.

“Chief (Chris) Blue made sure we got what we wanted out of the program by asking participants about their experiences,” he said.

Badrock said she liked the depth of the program but thinks it should be shortened.

Graduates were presented with an official challenge coin and certificate at the closing ceremony.

Badrock said it was special to receive the challenge coin when she shook the chief’s hand.

“The coin is what officers receive and exchange for completing certain brave tasks.”

Contact the City Editor at city@dailytarheel.com.