New students sought for community police academy

Torus Tammer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY -- The Police Department is looking for a few good

residents interested in helping the community.

The call for volunteers has been expressed by Fountain Valley Police

Chief Elvin Miali, who encourages locals to sign up for the Community

Police Academy, scheduled to begin Sept. 13.

“These classes are not as in-depth as the [officers’] police academy,”

Miali said. “It might whet your appetite a little, but it is mainly

geared toward giving the community an idea of what we do.”

During the 12-week program, participants can tour the department,

observe canine and SWAT demonstrations, and ride along with a patrol

officer. Residents can also take part in firearms training. Other classes

will include traffic enforcement, narcotics and criminal investigations.

Fountain Valley resident Wayman Hutson, 61, completed the academy and

said he was impressed by the professionalism that he saw.

“After spending 40 years in Los Angeles as a district manager for

Ralphs, I can tell you that I am not easily impressed,” Hutson said. “But

I was impressed by them.”Hutson added that it was apparent the department

was organized and focused. He said he believes it is an invaluable

experience for residents to participate because they can learn how the

department and the community operate.

“This experience just really solidified my feelings of respect for

what police officers do,” he said.

The program will be held Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. -- and

residents should enroll early, Miali said.

The department has been holding the academy twice a year for almost

three years, Miali said.

“It is definitely becoming more popular because we have had to put a

limit on attendance,” he said, noting that not more than 20 residents are

accepted for each session.

FYI

The Community Police Academy is held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays

at City Hall, 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley. Information: 593-4485.