The 19th season of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Citizens Police Academy kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 23 with nearly 30 residents ready and eager to learn about the multiple aspects of police work.
Participants heard from Sheriff James Pohlmann who said the program will provide them with the opportunity to learn more about what the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office do on a day-to-day basis to keep their community safe.
“This course will give you an insight on how and why things are handled in a certain manner,” Sheriff Pohlmann said to the participants. “Its purpose is to foster a positive relationship between our citizens and our officers.”
Coordinated by Capt. Charles Borchers and Sgt. Eric Eilers, the 10-week course will include visits from veteran representatives of each division of the Sheriff’s Office who will speak on the various phases of law enforcement, including patrol work, narcotics enforcement, detective duties, and SWAT team demonstrations.
Participants also will visit the Parish Courthouse and Prison to see what those environments are like. A graduation ceremony will be held Oct. 25 for participants who complete the course.
Capt. Borchers said more than 700 parish residents have participated in the Citizens Police Academy since its inception in 1998.
“It’s really become a popular course among adults,” he said. “This program gives residents a real feel for what police work entails and it’s about as realistic as we can make it for them.”
For more information about the program, call Capt. Borchers at (504) 278-7628 or Sgt. Eilers at (504) 278-7799.
Capt. Charles Borchers speaks to Citizens Police Academy participants on opening night of this year’s course. Also pictured are Lt. Daniel Bostic, center, and Sgt. Eric Eilers, right.
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