For 17 years, the Meridian Township Police Department has invited those it serves to get an up close look at day to day life behind the Thin Blue Line. The township’s Police Citizens Academy is an outreach tool that both officers and participants say pays dividends in trust. Current State’s Kevin Lavery previews this year’s session.
The image of a uniformed police officer or even a police patrol car can evoke a range of emotions, both positive and negative. Over the past year, the tensions that have flared in various communities across the country have forced police departments to work even harder to earn the trust of the publics they serve.
Fostering good relationships is vital for any law enforcement agency. This week, the Meridian Township Police Department is beginning its annual Police Citizens’ Academy as part of its outreach mission.
This is the 17th year of the program, which will meet each Thursday from today through November 5. The academy strives to answer a lot of questions, from what police officers do each day on patrol to how forensic investigations are conducted.
Current State’s Kevin Lavery talks with Meridian Township police Lt. Greg Frenger about the academy.
