Shawnee, KS – As a participant of the Shawnee Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy, State Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook (R-Shawnee), said, “I believe one of the first priorities of government is the protection of its citizens. By participating in this academy with such well-trained and well-qualified police officers, I am able to gain a better understanding about the work required of our local police. It has been a worthwhile and educational experience.”
The Shawnee Police Department offers the Academy as an opportunity for people who live and work in Shawnee to learn about the role of law enforcement in the community. The classes are an eight-week program and are designed to allow citizens to meet and interact with officers and learn what it takes to keep our community safe.
The Academy is held once a year, with an opportunity for all citizens to apply. This year, the classes have mostly been held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., and they began on Sept. 22. The program will end with a graduation ceremony on Nov. 10.
On Saturday morning, Oct. 29, the Academy’s instructors took members out to learn about and shoot various firearms, with oversight and instruction provided by Shawnee officers specialized in the training of firearm safety. The Academy’s members also viewed simulations by the STAR Team, a team of Shawnee officers who are specially trained to manage high-risk and dangerous situations. (Officers are wearing red shirts in the photographs.)
Pilcher-Cook, who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, added she is also hoping to build strong relationships with the Shawnee Police Department in hopes of fostering long-term communication about the impact of various state laws on local communities.
“It is very important for me to have a strong working relationship with the Shawnee Police, as their real-world experience and input can be extremely valuable as we craft and review Kansas law and ensure the practicality of enforcing those laws,” she said.
Other elected officials who applied to be participants are City Council members Michelle Distler and James Neighbor.
