News

New Citizens Police Academy Starts Soon

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The 13th session of the Wilson Citizens Police Academy will begin later this month. There are still 19 seats left, but they won't last long.

Monday evening class sessions will be held at the City of Wilson Operations Center (1800 Herring Ave) from 6pm – 9pm. Must be ages 16 and older living in Wilson County. Most of our past students have been between ages 45-75.

To get an application, call Officer Kolly Burritt at 252.399.2350 or download it here.

Here's a look at what you'll cover:

Introduction/Orientation
This short presentation will provide background related to the development of the Citizens Police Academy and will acquaint class members with the academy’s major goals and objectives. Course booklets will be distributed along with other materials. In particular, the procedures to be followed regarding general and elective class attendance will be covered.

Overview: The Community Oriented Philosophy of the Wilson Police Dept.
This class will provide a brief overview of the Wilson Police Department, including its position and role in city government. The Department’s mission and philosophy will be discussed from the dual perspectives of community service and ethical law enforcement.

Internal Affairs
This class will familiarize participants with the duties and responsibilities of the Internal Affairs Commander. The Captain will talk about the process and procedure of an internal affairs investigation. Procedures will be explained about suspension with or without pay. The law will be addressed as it relates to information that can be retrieved about an officer’s disciplinary actions. Participants will become familiar with types of incidences that require an internal affairs investigation.

Citizen Complaints
This class will familiarize participants with the process of making a citizen complaint. The class will also present insightful information on the process of what happens when a complaint is presented. The instructor will discuss the Wilson Police Department policy in regards to complaints made by citizens. Participants will gain an understanding of the duties required by an officer when a complaint is presented. Follow-up procedures will also be discussed.

9-1-1 Communications Center
The citizen’s vital link to emergency police service is the tele-communicator answering incoming calls in the Communications Center. This class will familiarize course participants with the work of the tele-communicator and will explain what happens when a 9-1-1 call comes in to the center. Citizens will learn how and why certain calls for service are channeled to the Department’s Telephone Response Unit rather than to an officer on patrol. The concept of differential police response will be explained as well as the computer technology that makes this possible.
Note: This class includes an inside tour of the Communications Center.

Patrol Procedures
Participants will learn what a patrol officer’s responsibilities are during an individual work shift and work tour. Participants will learn what the WPD expects of a patrol officer working in this City.

Law Enforcement Accreditation
Participants will be introduced to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the role of CALEA at the Wilson Police Department. Participants will have the opportunity to understand how being an accredited law enforcement agency positively affects the citizens of Wilson.

Recruiting/Hiring/Training
Participants will be introduced to the WPD’s regulations and procedures governing recruiting, hiring, and training (pre-hire and post-hire) of police officers and the educational and demographic makeup of the WPD.

Use of Force and Laws of Arrest, Search, and Seizure
Participants will become familiar with the tests of reasonable suspicion and probable cause which officers apply to determine whether an arrest, search, or seizure is justified. Participants will learn about officer’s use of force options and considerations before using force.

Gangs
Instructors will present a brief history of gangs in the United States. They will discuss current local trends in gang activity in Wilson and address why our kids are joining gangs. Prevention efforts by the WPD will be also discussed.

Crime Scene Investigations & Searches
This class will familiarize the participants with Crime Scene Investigation and related Forensic Sciences. We will be learning about the correct procedures and techniques used in processing a crime scene. We will discuss the term “CSI Effect.” We will also show some of the services the Wilson Police Department Forensic Unit has to offer. If time allows, participants will be able to participate in some mock evidence collection.