Crime & Safety
Snellville Citizen's Police Academy Gears up for 14th Session
Opening night will be Sept. 27 at the Snellville Police Station.
The next is scheduled for Sept. 27. The 11-week program is designed to educate the community about how the police department functions and how the community’s involvement can help deter crime.
Participants will have the opportunity to tour the Gwinnett County jail, witness a K-9 demonstration, learn about crime scene processing and more.
Graduates have the option of joining the Snellville Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association (SCPAAA), which raises money for items Snellville PD might need. Founded in 2004, the foundation has around 70 members.
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Mary Fergus has been a member for a number of years and enjoys advocating for the police department.
"I enjoy getting to know what all is involved in the work of a police officer," she said. "They do so much that we just don't know about."
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For example, did you know that Snellville Police respond to each report of a burglary immediately and process each scene? They take fingerprints, tire and shoe impressions, and subsequently have a higher solvency rate than average.
Most recently the foundation raised over $4,000 at a golf tournament fundraiser.
"These folks are our biggest ambassadors to the community," said Det. Trey Downs. "They do more than just raise money; they build a strong partnership with the community."
To date, money raised by the SPAAA has gone toward things like two police dogs, a $1,600 hard drive duplicator, plasma TVs in the interrogation room, a bite suit and other items.
The officers enjoy the Citizen's Police Academy because it offers them the opportunity to interact with the public when they're not on the wrong side of the blue lights.
If you're interested in attending the bi-annual Citizen's Police Academy, contact Trey Downs at (770) 985-7216 or at tdowns@snellville.org.
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.
An application can be downloaded through the City of Snellville's website.
