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Fifth Student Police Academy Set for January 2021
UD Student Police Academy's Rich Tradition
The University of Dayton's Department of Public Safety hosts a Student Police Academy each academic year. This initiative features six, two-hour sessions held weekly. The next session begins on Wednesday, January 27 and each of the weekly sessions will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The academy's curriculum provides students with a chance to meet Public Safety personnel, learn about the department, see behind the scenes and try their hand at various police-related duties.
Meet the Sergeant Who Coordinates the Academy
SGT James Huffman is a 10 year veteran of UDPD. His law enforcement career spans nearly three decades, but prior to joining a police department full time, Jim worked in the mechanical engineering field after studying within that area in college. In addition to his duties at UD, SGT Huffman has served as an instructor at Sinclair Community College's police academy.
What Students Experience in the Academy
SGT Huffman coordinates the academy and recruits fellow personnel to participate in session related to policing and emergency services. In the coming academy, students will tour the newly renovated Communications Center, meet one of the department's most experienced dispatchers and learn about the types of emergency communication for which the department is responsible. In other sessions, students will learn about personal security and self defense techniques, investigate a mock crime scene, try their hand with a sim trainer, and conduct mock traffic stops.
The fifth academy class may be smaller than previous ones given social distancing requirements, but those who register and attend will receive more chances to try certain equipment and garner more individualized instruction.
Why a Student Police Academy?
Many students who have participated in past academies say they did so because they were curious about what goes on behind the scenes in the department. Participants were surprised to learn the work that goes into investigating incidents and how a "routine" traffic stop can be anything but routine.
Department personnel who participate in the academy appreciate the opportunity to engage with students in a positive way. Many times department personnel meet students when they are having the worst day -- following an accident or crime -- and the interaction ends once the situation is handled. The academy provides a chance for officers and other public safety staff to have meaningful conversations with students in a relaxed and fun environment. Officers typically volunteer to teach a topic they love and in which they are well trained. Seeing students engage in those activities and learn new skills makes for a great academy experience for instructors and participants alike.
How Do Students Join the Upcoming Academy Class?
Students interested in joining the next Student Police Academy can reserve their spot by emailing Celeste Fisher at fisherc6@udayton.edu. Sessions meet on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for six weeks starting on January 27.