Ever Wonder What It's Like to be a Police Officer?

Are you interested in getting an inside perspective of police operations? Can you make a few evenings free in the fall? If you answered yes to both questions, then you may want to consider the Milton Police Citizens Police Academy (CPA). Each fall, the Milton Police Department holds a CPA for its citizens and residents of the surrounding area. Traditionally, the participants meet every Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00pm. Each week, a different law enforcement topic is covered, and hands-on training is provided by the Milton Police Departments expert staff. While the CPA does not entail physical training and marching to and from class as in the officer police academy, it does give participants an insight into police operations and tactics the department uses regularly.

On the first night, students will meet the chief of police, the division commanders (Milton has three different divisions within its department), as well as the community outreach officer who coordinates the classes and other community activities.

Week two is traditionally criminal investigations/crime analysis. During this session, participants will hear from a seasoned detective on the techniques they utilize to solve crimes. They will also show participants basic crime scene processing techniques. Students will even have an opportunity to dust and lift fingerprints! Participants will then hear from the agencys crime analyst on how technology helps the department analyze crime and traffic crash trends more efficiently.

Week three covers use of force. Participants are taught the levels of force that police sometimes must employ to keep the peace. Students are taught about the tools that officers carry and how uses of force are documented and reviewed. Participants are also shown basic defensive tactics that officers use if a situation arises where use of force is necessary; fortunately, Milton PDs use-of-force rate is very low compared to national averages.

During week four, participants are instructed on how traffic stops are performed as well as given the opportunity to use a speed measuring device in real time. The second half of the class covers driving under the influence (DUI) investigations where participants are able to watch, as officers give field sobriety evaluations on live, dosed subjects in a controlled environment.

Week five is SWAT/K-9 week, which is usually a favorite of most attendees. The night begins with members of the multiagency North Fulton SWAT Team. Students have an opportunity to learn about team structure and training techniques as well as see the gear that is issued to team members. Participants will also see vehicles specific to the SWAT team. During the second half of class, students will get to meet Miltons K-9, Kyro, and his handler, Officer Reese. This portion will include Kyros history as well as how he is trained, and what he does on a typical day. After participants are given an opportunity to pet Kyro, they will see a live K-9 demonstration.

Week six may be the best night of the entire program. During week six, attendees will meet at SharpShooters in Roswell. That night, Miltons firearm instructors will take students through a brief firearms safety course as well as give students a live demonstration on the different types of weapons that officers carry. And yes, participants are given the opportunity to shoot police-issued weapons under the careful guidance of firearms instructors. Weapons range from a .22 pistol, 9mm pistol, a .12 gauge shotgun, to a .223 rifle. This night is not only educational, previous students have reported that it is also very fun. Students also have a chance to participate in a virtual shoot/dont shoot exercise at some point throughout the CPA. Seeing these situations from an officers perspective in real time is an eye-opening experience. Previous students report walking away with a different perspective about how quickly a seemingly benign situation may unfold into a dangerous scenario.

Week seven, the last night of the Academy, explores domestic violence. Students will be briefed on the State of Georgias domestic violence laws as well as some alarming statistics.

The next evening, participants will meet back at the Milton Police Department for graduation. All who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion as well as enjoy a catered dinner with the instructors and the chief. In the weeks following graduation, participants will be given the opportunity to go on ride-alongs with Milton officers. This usually rounds out everything participants have learned over the seven-week course and gives students an opportunity to see in action many of the principles they have been taught.

If you have found this brief flyover of the CPA interesting, inquiries for the 2018 Citizens Police Academy can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Those interested can also contact Miltons Community Outreach Officer, Chad West, with questions at 678-242-2527. Space is limited to twenty participants per year, and the slots fill up quickly. To give yourself the best opportunity of obtaining a spot, give Milton Police Departments Facebook page a follow. Registration information is posted on the page as it becomes available. Think youre up for the challenge? Lets find out!