The Mount Vernon Police Department's community engagement officer informed the city council at its February 10 meeting about the initiation of a Citizens Police Academy set to begin in March. Sergeant Nick Myrda said that the academy aims to involve residents more deeply and provide insight into police operations.
According to a YouTube recording of the city council's February 10 meeting, Myrda said the academy will commence on March 13 and conclude on June 26. Classes are scheduled for the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 6 to 9 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to tour the police department, explore its vehicles, and familiarize themselves with the equipment officers use. Myrda will serve as one of the instructors.
"One of my classes that I'll be doing is more like the subject control defensive tactics use of force where we're going to do demonstrations on a lot of our equipment. So you might get to see someone tased or let you use a baton on a bag, maybe do some Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations for law enforcement," Myrda said, according to the meeting video.
Myrda also mentioned during the meeting that participants would have an opportunity for ride-alongs with officers on patrol. He suggested that these experiences occur at varying times, noting differences between Monday afternoons and Saturday midnights. For safety reasons, participants will remain in vehicles during more dangerous calls such as domestic violence incidents or pursuits.
Myrda expressed his desire for city officials and council members to participate in order to receive constructive feedback from individuals familiar with departmental operations. The department prefers applicants without felonies or sexually oriented crimes, with basic background checks being conducted. He hopes for an initial class size of 10 to 15 participants but may consider up to 30 if interest is high. A graduation ceremony will conclude the academy, which is free of charge.
On advice from Worcester's police chief, Myrda intends to invite officers' spouses to discuss their experiences being married to law enforcement personnel, providing insights into mental health emergency services. Additionally, he plans to offer information regarding officers' use of force.
