Florence police use the Citizens Police Academy to train the public on their roles

FLORENCE, Ky. – The Florence Police Department is teaching the community how to do their job.

Once a week for eight weeks, citizens and officers meet together to discuss various topics and methods used in law enforcement.

“Last week at the coroner’s office, one of our detectives was talking about his cases and then about the drug investigation. And tonight we’re doing crime scene investigation and self-defense,” said Patrick Cottingham, public affairs specialist for the Florence Police Department.

Cottingham said the course is just a small part of their work and is a true police academy.

From self-defense to crime scene analysis, those who participate in the civilian academy learn what officers do and why they do it, all with the goal of community engagement.

“They can go into the community and become ambassadors,” Cottingham said. “Anything we can do to build that connection with the community and work together is a good thing.”

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Participants told us that the experience opened their eyes to the reality of law enforcement.

“I already admired the police, but I appreciate them even more and all they do for the community,” said Lucy Cummins, a member of the Citizens Academy.

Cottingham said the academy has been a success, noting that several people have gone on to become department volunteers or even go through the actual police academy.

He said it had also helped their own local governments.

“We had a new city councilor at the academy and she got to learn what we do and why we do it, which really helped the relationship between her and our bosses,” Cottingham said.

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The officers say they are also studying at the academy. Through questions, participants learn what the community wants to see and what they think about certain aspects of the work.

Participation in the academy is free for everyone. Their next session will be in the spring and will be posted online and on their Facebook when registration opens.