BPD teaches citizens in academy

Individuals who trust the police department, those who are not as trusting and those who desire to one day join the men and women in blue will be among the eclectic mix of attendants of the Bloomington Police Department’s Citizens Academy
classes.

The goal of the program is for all attendees to walk away with a deeper understanding of how the police department functions, said BPD Sgt. Steven Kellams, an instructor for the academy.

Instructors of the academy teach topics such as vehicle stops, criminal investigations, firearms, emergency driving and defensive tactics, said BPD Capt. Joseph Qualters.

All classes will be taught in a lecture type setting, he said.

“The Citizen Academy gives the community a chance to get to know us better and provides a way for us to connect with them as well,” Qualters said.

“From this, they may have a better understanding of what we do, and maybe, why we do it in a particular way.”Kellams said the classes usually have between 15 and 20 members, but there have been more than 20 before.

Qualters said anyone who is interested may apply for the program, but classes are generally small because of the size of the training room and the desire for participation.

The classes usually contain both residents and IU students, Kellams said.
Applications for the academy may be completed online or on paper and should be submitted to Qualters at 220 E. Third St.

“We hope that they will come away with more confidence that we are able and capable to respond to any emergency or other law enforcement situation that might arise,” Qualters said.