I’m excited to tell you about a new program we are starting this year. We are going to conduct our first Junior Police Academy. There is no cost to participate in this program, however participation is limited to the first 20 applicants who are between the ages of 14-20 and a resident of Rockdale County.
The CPD Junior Police Academy will run for one week from July 16-20, with graduation being held on Saturday, July 21. The daily sessions will run from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and take place in the Conyers Police Department training room at 1194 Scott Street.
Academy participants will learn about the various divisions of the police department, learn self-defense techniques and identify fingerprints in a mock crime scene. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will assist with a tour of the Rockdale County Jail and the Georgia State Patrol will participate in a session to teach students about teen traffic laws and alcohol awareness.
For more information, contact Sergeant Peggy Dunn at (678) 374-5603 to request an application. Applications are due by July 10.
On May 23, we held our most recent Citizen Police Academy Graduation with 10 graduates. It was a small class, but the participants gained a vast amount of knowledge about our operations and several have expressed interest in becoming a volunteer with the police department. During the graduation ceremony, Pierce Piper was recognized for his continuous guidance and support to the officers who run the program. We are in the planning process for our next Citizen Police Academy. I will keep everyone updated on when we will begin accepting applications.
We are also in the process of recruiting for our Reserve Unit. Our reserve unit consists of sworn officers who volunteer their time in order to give back to the community. They are required to go through the same hiring process as full-time officers, and they are required to meet the same annual training requirements as full-time officers. All uniforms and equipment are provided and there is no additional expense incurred by members.
The Reserve program is a very rewarding experience. The unit members are derived from all walks of life. The majority of the members maintain a full-time job in conjunction with their volunteer work. Their dedication and persistence reaps abounding benefits both personally and for the city of Conyers. We all work together to make a safe community for the citizens of Conyers.
If you are interested in applying, please contact Officer Linda Davis at linda.davis@conyersga.gov
In closing, I want to extend my congratulations and appreciation to Juan Morales for five years of service, K-9 Officer Ken Morgan for 15 years of service, and Lieutenant Derek Parker for achieving 20 years of service with the city of Conyers. These are milestone accomplishments and I am proud of each one of them.
