Opening Night of Citizen's Police Academy

Snellville Police Department is giving residents a peek into the life of officers with its Citizen's Police Academy. The first session this year began Thursday.

The academy offers a free of charge 10-week educational program that features topics like traffic law, DUI investigation, weapons training, and crime scene investigation.  A tour of the Gwinnett County jail and a ride-along tour are also included. 

The purpose of the Citizen’s Academy is to open the lines of communication between citizens and the police force.  According to their website, the academy was designed to “educate the citizens and business owners of Snellville about their police department and how officers enforce local and state laws.”

“I want to learn more about what the police department does,” Snellville resident Jeannie Fargulis said.

Graduates of the academy are eligible to become members of the Snellville Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (SCPAA), a prestigious nonprofit group formed for the purpose of providing support to the police department. The SCPAA has donated many items to the police department, including some of the protective clothing needed to train the , as well as a K9 officer.

There were 29 people in attendance on opening night on Thursday, March 10. It was an exciting, information-packed event. Classes are held in the brand new police station located behind the Snellville courthouse at 2315 Wisteria Drive. Among this group of attendees were Kelly McAloon of the Snellville Trade and Tourism organization, the , and the mayor himself,. 

 “I don’t often get to see this side of things,” the mayor remarked.  

The importance of a strong relationship between citizens and police officers was evident. Police cannot be everywhere at once, and police officials say its important that citizens know what to do when they encounter a potential crime. Police Chief Roy Whitehead said citizens were his "eyes and ears."

“If something doesn’t look right, it’s not right,” Whitehead said to the audience. “Never hesitate to call.”  

He describes a time when an elderly woman called late at night to say that someone was breaking into her bedroom window. When the officers arrived at the scene, she was clearly terrified, and pointed to the side of the house. The officers returned a few minutes later to inform her that it was an opossum hanging from a branch by her window.  

The chief recalled that the woman thought she shouldn't have called. Even when in doubt, Whitehead said to call. 

“I would rather be called a thousand times and it turns out to be nothing, rather than not called at all and something bad happens.”

The average police response time in Snellville is two minutes and forty seconds for emergencies, according to police.

“How many of you think that crime is getting worse in Snellville?” Whitehead asked the group. 

Many raised their hands. And yet, .  Crime was down 10% last year from the year before, and is this year down another 9%. In fact, according to Chief Whitehead this year boasts the lowest crime rate since 2003.  

Citizens also went on a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, paid for by funds. Detective Trey Downs pointed out the new forensic lab, the work-out facility, roomy offices and a conference room that – should the United States encounter a national emergency – would be used as the Gwinnett County Command Center.  

“This room runs on a generator and is prepared for an emergency,” Downs said.

The class ends with a demonstration by Chris, a K9 officer. The dog showed off his talent for sniffing out narcotics and then for attacking and apprehending suspects through a controlled demonstration. Chris once discovered 900 pounds of marijuana, along with $100,000.  

Although the session has started, new students are welcome. Classes begin at 6 p.m. each Thursday. In order to participate, you must be 18 years of age or older and complete the application process. Your criminal history and driving record will also be checked. For more information, contact Officer Downs at tdowns@snellville.org or visit the department’s website at http://tinyurl.com/4hjcg97.  You can also call the police department at (770) 985-3500.  

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