Page 49

Spring_ShakerLife_2017

the existence of the SHCPA.” John Herrick, Jr., president of the SHCPA, says, “We have a vested interest in the Citizens Police Academy because that’s where our members come from, but there is a distinction between the two organizations.” The primary distinction is hands-on volunteer work for the SHPD, some of which requires special training. The Citizens Police Academy is the first step toward that. The Academy is a free 10-week program sponsored by Shaker’s Police and Fire departments. It’s open to Shaker Heights residents and those who work in the City full-time. The weekly three-hour sessions cover topics such as criminal investigation, response to threats, the K-9 Unit, and tactics. Class size is limited to approximately 18 people. On the other hand, the SHCPA is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide ongoing support and volunteer services to the police department. Membership in the Alumni is open only to graduates of the Citizens Police Academy. The Alumni’s current membership is 65. (Herrick says that of the 11 graduates of the 2016 Citizens Police Academy, nine signed up for the Alumni.) The SHCPA offers a variety of volunteer activities through the Police Partners program. Some activities are open to all active members. Others are offered through the Operational Support Group, which requires a formal application, interview and selection, background check, and a training period. Specialized activities include weapons cleaning, which speaks for itself, and Citizens on Patrol, where volunteers cruise Shaker streets in unmarked police cars on four-hour shifts. “About two-thirds of our members do volunteer work,” Herrick says. “We logged about 3,500 volunteers hours in 2016. We log about 3,000 hours a year typically, but we had some extra hours last year because of the Republican National Convention.” “Around the nation, the most progressive police departments are looking for ways to engage with the residents,” says Chief DeMuth. “Our department and SHCPA have been approached by numerous people attempting to start up similar organizations in their cities. They recognize our CPA as the model to follow.” For detailed information on the Citizens Police Academy, the Citizens Police Alumni, and the Police Partners program, and how you can get involved, go to shakeronline.com. The 2017 Citizens Police Academy Since the Citizens Police Academy began in 1994, there have been 25 classes with more than 370 graduates. The 2017 Citizens Police Academy begins Thursday, September 7. Classes are held from 7-10 pm at the Police Department, 3355 Lee Road, each Thursday. There is no class on Thursday, October 12. Contact Debra Messing at 216-491-1240. SHAKER LIFE | SPRING 2017 47


Spring_ShakerLife_2017
To see the actual publication please follow the link above