[Straight Shooter]

My wife and I, are going to send in our applications. We think that this will be something beneficial for us. This will be a good way to learn more about law enforcement. I wonder what the visit, ''to the Firearms Range to take part in weapons simulator training", is all about?

Please give me your input about a program like this, especially if anyone has attended a similar program. I believe these programs are offered statewide, at the various law enforcement agencies. Below, I copied and pasted the course decription directly from the Broward Sheriffs Office website.

:drinks <-Straight Shooter-> :drinks

Citizens Academy
The Broward Citizens Academy is a 13-week orientation course in the field of law enforcement. It's conducted in a classroom and "out-in-the-field" with certified agency instructors from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. As part of the class, students complete a four-hour ride-along assignment with a BSO deputy. It's an excellent way to learn more about law enforcement through firsthand experience and from those who have law enforcement background.

Held several times each year, the course overviews the criminal justice system, the history of law enforcement and the operations of a law enforcement agency through course work and practical experience. Classes meet for three-hours, one evening a week and include tours of BSO's 9-1-1 Communications Center and jails. Participants learn the workings of BSO's Bomb and Arson Squad, Media Relations Department and Crime Lab. Students also watch a K-9 demonstration and visit the Firearms Range to take part in weapons simulator training.

The Citizens Academy is free of charge and is held on consecutive Wednesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building, 2601 West Broward Boulevard, in Fort Lauderdale.

For further information, contact Ms.Cheryl Vara at (954) 321-5076.

 

[Mac45]

You'll enjoy it. Many agencies have computer controlled visual training simulators for use of force scenarios. You are given a simulated weapon, usually a laser projector, that is realistic and you watch a film shot from your point of view. As the scenario unfolds, you have to react appropriately [shoot/don't shoot]. The computer then directs the action on screen according to your actions. You'll learn just how quickly things can go bad.

The rest of the academy is interesting as well. You'll learn a lot. Enjoy.

 

[SwampRat]

Sounds like something your local "Citizens Patrol" would go thru..

 

[Paladin]

Saint Johns County Sheriff's Office has one that is 11 weeks long - http://www.sjso.org/clea.aspx

They also offer a Citizens Firearm Safety Training Course but I don't know if it is free or not - http://www.sjso.org/civfrms.aspx

 

[jeiber]

It really depends on what you're expecting to get out of it. You mentioned that you thought it would benefit you and yours. Not sure what 'benefit' you're seeking.

Jeff

 

[XD-Man]

Sounds like something your local "Citizens Patrol" would go thru..

I was gonna mention that, SwampRat. I applied, and was accepted, for the C.O.P. program here in Volusia County. It's a 5-week program (5 consecutive Saturdays), and looked interesting. Problem was, my employer wouldn't give me 5 consecutive Saturdays off without laying me off, so that put the end to that plan.

 

[Straight Shooter]

It really depends on what you're expecting to get out of it. You mentioned that you thought it would benefit you and yours. Not sure what 'benefit' you're seeking.

Jeff

We are expecting to gain a better understanding of how our local law enforcement works. We are looking forward to the training, and the chance to ride around with a deputy so that we can see first hand what they go through. Learning about the bomb squad, arson, jails, and K-9 will be good training and we are really looking forward to going to their range. These are the benefits that we are seeking.:drinks

I was gonna mention that, SwampRat. I applied, and was accepted, for the C.O.P. program here in Volusia County. It's a 5-week program (5 consecutive Saturdays), and looked interesting. Problem was, my employer wouldn't give me 5 consecutive Saturdays off without laying me off, so that put the end to that plan.

Broward county also has a COP program that stands for:
"Citizens Observer Patrol" They give you a squad car that is marked as such, and you drive around observing. You are also given the task to check on elderly citizens, and peoples homes (when they are away)

I was considering applying for this, but I think that I am going to apply for the Sheriffs "Posse" instead. It is a different program that sounds more diverse and interactive. Please see the description below, and let me know what you think.:drinks:drinks


Posse
BSO's Posse is a volunteer organization that provides assistance resources to BSO staff and Broward County residents. The Posse assists deputies with warrant sweeps, DUI enforcement checkpoints, special event traffic, pedestrian management and other assignments.

Posse members who donate their time to certain specialized units receive training at the unit level. Other volunteers receive general training in special event parking and traffic control.

Residents can join the Posse by completing an application available at all district offices, passing a background check and completing the required training program. Successful candidates are sworn-in and assigned a Posse uniform.

 

[XD-Man]

If you want to carry (open), you can join the Florida Highway Patrol Auxilliary. That way, you're a sworn officer (voluntary), carry a gun, and ride with a full-time trooper.

At least, that's the way it used to be. It's the only way I know of to do voluntary police work and carry a weapon.

 

[Straight Shooter]

If you want to carry (open), you can join the Florida Highway Patrol Auxilliary. That way, you're a sworn officer (voluntary), carry a gun, and ride with a full-time trooper.

At least, that's the way it used to be. It's the only way I know of to do voluntary police work and carry a weapon.

You are right!!! Although I don't think that open carry would be my motivation for volunteering. I will try to complete the "Police Academy for Citizens" before I make any decisions. I will do more research, regarding "The Posse" and FHPA to see where I can help my community better through these venues, and to see if they are even viable options for me to do community service. Who knows? I may even end up building houses with habitat for humanity.:drinks:drinks



About the FHPA
The Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary is...
A professionally trained, all volunteer law enforcement organization dedicated to providing direct assistance and operational support to the Florida Highway Patrol
Responsible for promoting public safety for the citizens of and the visitors to the State of Florida
Since 1957, Auxiliary Troopers have assisted the Florida Highway Patrol in the performance of its daily duties which include:

Patrolling the streets and highways of the state
Providing timely assistance to disabled motorists
Participating in vehicle equipment and license checkpoints
Operating the Florida Highway Patrol Breath Alcohol Testing Unit (BAT mobile)
Participating in specialized details
Responding to natural disasters and other emergency situations
Auxiliary Trooper candidates must undergo a rigorous hiring process and training similar to a full time state trooper.

Presently, we are fully equipped in the same manner as our brother State Troopers. Initially, you will ride with a trooper to provide “second officer” backup.

After additional experience and training, you may be approved for “Limited Scope Patrol” (L.S.P.). L.S.P. certified officers patrol solo in a marked patrol unit to provide assistance to motorists and troopers.


Training
Florida State Statutes and the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission require that every member of the FHPA receive law enforcement training at a state approved training center by state certified instructors. The Florida Highway Patrol currently requires a minimum of 125 hours of training by FHP approved instructors.

The training that one receives includes subjects such as:

Criminal Law
Traffic Law
Search and Seizure Law
Court Testimony
Accident Investigation
Firearms Training
First Aid
Self Defense
Report Writing
Human and Public Relations
and many other areas that will enable a civilian to provide assistance to other Law Enforcement Officers.

Training is conducted locally at community colleges as well as from approved courses offered by the Florida Highway Patrol. The Patrol pays all tuition for the approved applicant and supplies all equipment and uniforms for your use while performing duties as an Auxiliary Trooper.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary?

A. A professionally trained, all volunteer law enforcement organization dedicated to providing direct assistance and operational support to the Florida Highway Patrol. The FHP Auxiliary is responsible for promoting public safety for the citizens of and the visitors to the State of Florida.

Q. What does it mean to be appointed an Auxiliary Florida State Trooper?

A. As a Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary State Trooper you will be part of a truly professional Law Enforcement Agency that consistently strives to maintain the highest caliber of personnel dedicated to providing service to the public. Auxiliary troopers’ responsibilities constantly increase as a member completes advanced training.

Q. What are the powers of an Auxiliary Trooper?

A. You have the authority to bear arms and the power to arrest violators while under the direct supervision of a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper.

Q. What Training is required of Auxiliary Troopers?

A. Florida State Statutes and the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission require that every member of the FHPA receive law enforcement training at a state approved training center by state certified instructors. The Florida Highway Patrol currently requires a minimum of 311 hours of training by FHP approved instructors.

Q. How do I join the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary?

A. Each person who applies to become a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary mustgo through a formal application process, pass both written and physical testing, and meet several other criteria. These are outlined more thoroughly under the How to Join section.

 

[jeiber]

It sounds like the course will meet your expectations - fun stuff. Let us know how it goes!

Jeff

 

[MattB.]

Seminole County

If anyone lives in Seminole County here is the link to their program. i'm going to speak with work tomorrow and see if I can arrange my schedule so I can attend.


http://www.seminolesheriff.org/en-us/your_community/community_law_enforcement_academy/index.php


COURSE SUMMARY

As a result of a complete re-engineering of the Academy and studying the instructor and course evaluations from the past two years, we have implemented the largest restructuring of course material in the last ten years. The course is now organized in four major blocks of instruction: Seminole Neighborhood Policing/Special Operations, Corrections, Criminal Investigations, and Youth Services.

The course begins with an introduction by the Sheriff and Chief Deputy Sheriff and is followed by presentations on patrol operations and response to resistance, which includes operation of less than lethal weapons, to include the taser. This lays the groundwork for the scenario which begins the following week. During the scenario, students witness an aggravated felony, fleeing and eluding of an armed suspect, a felony stop and takedown of the suspect's accomplices, the fleeing of the main suspect, and proper methods of clearing a vehicle.

By using air support of ground operations, students will observe the apprehension of the armed suspect by K-9 and road patrol units. Students will be able to observe the helicopter as it lands and discuss air operations with the pilot and flight officer. Following this, students will move into the classroom for a presentation and question and answer session to include animal behavioral psychology; Alpha Leaders; breeding, selection, care, and feeding of working dogs; tracking methods; scenting; cadaver dogs; and drug dogs.

During the Corrections phase, students will be provided a tour to the John E. Polk Correctional facility, concluded by an in depth discussion of correctional procedures followed by a question and answer period.

During the investigative portion of the course, presentations and discussions of the investigative arm of the Sheriff's Office will be conducted. This will include an introduction to the Criminal Investigations Scenario and the initial walk through of the crime scene. Forensic Services and Major Crimes will be introduced.

Students will be introduced to the techniques and investigative processes of Forensic Services, to include a walk through of the Forensics Services Laboratories. There will also be presentations on death investigations, crime scene processing, gun shot residue, Alternate Light Source, Laser Trajectory Analysis, and Blood Splatter Analysis. We will also introduce the techniques and investigative processes of Major Crimes, to include homicide, robbery, and sexual battery.

Students will also learn about warrants/fugitive apprehension and advanced technology investigations; techniques and investigative processes of advanced technology investigations, economic and computer crimes, and the city county auto theft bureau; suspect interviews, victim services, community partnerships, professional standards, media relations, child protective services, transient offenders, counterterrorism, homeland security; offender management, and confidential informants.

Also included are video and audio surveillance, electronic tracking, video forensics, GPS technology, identity theft, fraud and forgery, organized schemes to defraud, economic crimes, computer forensic investigations, crime prevention, elder Services, auto theft enforcement and prevention strategies, and emerging technologies.

The Youth Services block will include Operation Right Track, juvenile gangs, the Sheriff's Work Ethics and Training (SWEAT) program, and other programs offered to juveniles.

Also, one evening will be devoted to aggressive driving and DUI enforcement during which students will be offered the opportunity to drive golf carts wearing fatal vision goggles which simulate various degrees of impairment; and another evening will be devoted to special teams such as SWAT and hostage negotiation.

Additionally, students will be offered the opportunity to participate in ride-alongs with a uniformed deputy sheriff, fire Sheriff's Office weapons at the gun range, and observe our 9-1-1 operators in the Telecommunications Center.

To be eligible, you must

•Live or work in Seminole or surrounding counties
•Be at least 19 years of age
•Possess a valid driver's license or other form of government issued photographic identification
•Not have been convicted of a Crime
•Disclose any arrests or convictions, incuding misdemeaners, to include pleas of nolo contendre regardless of whether adjudication was withheld
•File an application with the Sheriff's Office

 

[racpa1946]

Citrus County Citizens Academy

I attended the Citrus County Citizens Academy. It was a ten week course, meeting once per week for 3 hours each. I am retired, and have the time now to experience something like this. It was EXTREMELY valuable, allowing me to me in understanding the workings of the Sheriff's department.

I'm originally from the northeast, where most have a distrust (or a distain) for LEOs. Perhaps it's the blatant corruption in NJ.

This experience has turned my opinion around, especially towards the Sheriff's office in Citrus County. I find them to be honest folks, trying to make this community a better place to live. I also now have a better undertanding of what stress they are under.

On my ride-along, we picked up a BG ten minutes into the shift, and we spent the next four hours at the jail, doing the paperwork !!!! Of course, it was sort of interesting seeing how the jail, booking, bailing process worked.

Enjoy your class.

 

[Straight Shooter]

I'm originally from the northeast, where most have a distrust (or a distain) for LEOs. Perhaps it's the blatant corruption in NJ.

I know what you mean, being from the northeast, myself. Unfortunately, I have also found the same problem in South Florida.

It was EXTREMELY valuable, allowing me to me in understanding the workings of the Sheriff's department. This experience has turned my opinion around

I hope that it works out as well for me as it did for youopcorn

Enjoy your class

Thanks!!:drinks:drinks