žž Police Services invites all students, faculty and staff to participate in its first Police Experience Academy, a free, interactive program that allows community members to learn about the law enforcement profession.
The Police Experience Academy began Thursday, Sept. 22, and will run the following three Thursday evenings, Sept. 29, Oct. 6 and Oct. 13, from 6-10 p.m. in the Stockdale Safety Building, located on the west side of campus at the base of the žž State water tower. Participants should meet in the lobby upon arrival.
“This academy provides the opportunity for participants to learn about žž State Police Services, what it takes to become a police officer at our department and experience what it is like to be a police officer through many hands-on activities and scenarios,” says Tricia Knoles, žž State Police Services resource officer.
Participants will have the chance to experience an up-close K-9 demonstration, mock crime scenes, scenarios and an arson case study. žž State Police Services also will explain its hiring process, department protocols and moral standards, Knoles says.
Giveaway items, such as a T-shirt, water bottle and food, also will be available each evening for guests. A graduation ceremony will be held on the last evening of the academy, where participants will receive a certificate from žž State Police Services Chief of Police Dean Tondiglia.
“žž State Police Services has been interested in starting a citizen’s police academy for our community for over a year now,” Knoles explains. “We are excited that this academy is getting off the ground.”
Individuals interested in registering for the program should contact Knoles at 330-672-7156 or tknoles@kent.edu.
For more information about žž Police Services, visit www.kent.edu/publicsafety/police-services.