Editor,
Whether you love them or “not so much,” the Citizen’s Police Academy is a course you should take. I was a graduate of their Spring 2015 class. I had worked for the city so I started the class with a very positive impression of our local police. Others in our class said they didn’t feel that way at the beginning of class. They graduated with a deeper understanding of how difficult being a peace officer is, even in Laguna Beach.
I’ve suggested to friends that they take the class. Most are interested, but one responded that they didn’t like the Laguna cops. All the more reason to take the class, really. They would learn what it is like to “walk in a peace officer’s shoes.” Also, what’s it really like to pull over a car that is stolen and try to be ready for a hostile response? In class you will find out because you participate in a mock car stop. Even though the ammunition is fake, your heart will race and you just might be overwhelmed with fear. Then you have a glimpse of what it’s like for our officers when they are faced with the real thing.
Other fascinating classes include a tour of the Orange County’s Men’s Jail; experiencing the shooting range; learning how the police support the homeless; meeting Ranger, our K9 cop, and seeing him in action; a live demonstration of how little liquor it takes to end up DUI; and much more. This class opens your eyes, fills your stomach (we shared amazing dinners) and builds a stronger community.
They are recruiting for class members now. Applications are available at the Police Department at City Hall or by contacting Ross Fallah at 497-0701 or [email protected].
Meg Monahan, Laguna Beach
