Everyone has a general idea of what police officers do: protect and serve their local communities. Not everyone knows, though, just how much goes into being an officer. On Thursday, October 19, the Michigan City Police Department (MCPD) held an enlightening Citizen’s Police Academy session. Community members of all backgrounds came out to the MCPD to get an inside look at the police department and challenge their perceptions.
“I think this is one of our most important outreach programs. I love all of our outreach programs, but I especially love this one. It’s nice to see community members and the police coming together. We’re invested in building our relationships within the community and I think as time goes on we’ll have even better relationships. The better relationships that we have, the better we can serve our community and continue to grow,” said Assistant Chief of Operations Marty Corley.
MCPD has held the Citizen’s Police Academy program for over a decade. Each year the department welcomes a different group of unique community members to get an up close look at the inner workings of being a police officer. This year, MCPD invited everyone from mechanics to teachers to veterans.
“I’ve always had an interest in law enforcement. I have family members who have served as police officers, and I work closely with the police department through the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City. The fact that this was being offered right here in town made it a no-brainer,” said Karaline Cartagena Edwards, economic development manager.
Academy sessions start at the beginning of October and run for six weeks. Sessions are held every Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Each week focuses on a different aspect of the police department. So far, this year’s participants have gone on a tour of the police department, seen the department’s VirTra training simulator, and learned about defensive driving. Even being only a couple of weeks in, the participants have already gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for their police department.
“I’ve always supported our police officers, but being here has given me an even greater appreciation for what they go through. You don’t know what it’s like until you’re in their shoes,” said Cartagena Edwards.
This week’s session focused on MCPD’s SWAT team and K-9 Unit. From the very beginning, it was extremely hands-on. The night started with one of the SWAT team officers throwing a flashbang so everyone could see for themselves how startling flashbangs can be. Everyone gasped — some people even held their chests, jolted by the sound.
Next, the participants tried on the SWAT team’s vests and held some of the weapons and equipment. They also climbed in the SWAT team’s truck and watched a K-9 demonstration to learn more about how powerful the K-9s are.
Everyone was especially moved, though, by some of the SWAT team’s bodycam footage. In one recording, what started out as a wellness check quickly turned into an active shooter situation. Even while in danger, the officers were still trying to help the assailant get to safety. Patrick Vance, an Army veteran, was impressed with how well the officers handled the situation and kept everyone, including the shooter, out of harm's way.
“Some of the weapons and training are similar to what I experienced in the Army, but it’s just a completely different mindset. When I was in the military I didn’t necessarily have to think about the people I was fighting — it was a war. A police officer, though, has to think about both sides and how to serve and protect everyone. The patience they have is amazing. I salute them — they’re doing an awesome job,” said Patrick Vance.
After the bodycam footage ended, one participant asked the officers how they cope with going straight from intense situations back to their personal lives. The officers admitted that it’s often difficult — one of the officers shared he had to go straight to Indianapolis to coach wrestling after an incident. Flipping that switch from intensity to family is a lot, and keeping their worry for their loved one’s safety under control is always a battle.
“Watching the things they have to go through is a lot — when we get involved in those types of situations, our adrenaline is going and we’re all amped up, but the officers have to just go back home and turn that off immediately. Even just getting upset with my kids takes me a couple of hours to cool down, so the fact that our officers can do that is incredible,” said Deborah Vance, a Citizen’s Police Academy participant.
It was truly amazing to see the community and the police department come together, embrace one another’s perspectives, and grow a deeper connection.
“When you see an officer out in the street, you can’t always talk to them about what they do, but here people can ask those really hard questions, and we can answer them so they get the full understanding of what we do, the pros and cons, and build a deeper relationship with them,” said Corley.
The night’s session couldn’t last long enough. Everyone left eager for next Thursday to come so they could learn even more about their city’s passionate officers.
“I’m excited to see more. You can see things happen on TV, and you can watch clips of footage, but getting to hear these officers’ perspectives is another thing entirely. I know there’s so much more that they have to teach us, and I can’t wait,” said Deborah Vance.
The MCPD team encourages everyone who is interested in learning more about them to give the Citizen’s Police Academy a try. The MCPD is always looking for support and between having fun, gaining a deeper understanding of what police officers do, and developing meaningful relationships, the program can only be beneficial.
“Please, be a cheerleader for us. You have the voice to say how you would like your police department to be run. If you can cheerlead for us now that you’ve seen what we do and what we go through, it would make all the difference. Whether it’s helping us get new equipment or even just coming to help out with other outreach programs it’s a big help,” said Corley.
To learn more about the Michigan City Police Department and how it connects with the community, visit www.joinmcpd.com.
