Citizen’s Police Academy Class Evaluation – 2007

As a reminder, here are the classes that were held:

Week One:  Academy Introduction / Police Headquarter Tour

Week Two:  Criminal Justice System / DUI

Week Three:  Identity Theft / K9 Demonstration

Week Four:  Northampton County 911 Tour / PennStar Helicopter

Week Five:  Traffic Enforcement / Motor Vehicle Crashes

Week Six:   Detectives

Week Seven:  Drug Awareness

Week Eight:  Northampton County Prison Tour

Week Nine: Northampton County Deputy Coroner

Week Ten:  Use of Force

 Week Twelve:  Gangs / Graduation

Shooting Awareness / Range

Officer Ride-Along

The following is word for word what participants wrote on their Class Evaluations:

Please answer the following questions HONESTLY!

1.   Were the eleven (11) sessions sufficient or should the entire program be longer or shorter?  If longer, how much longer?  If shorter, how much shorter?

   Same length -  7 times

   Longer -  

     Shorter -          

   Could add more classes / some classes could be two

   All of them were good timing.

   It was just the right amount of time to present all the information and include demonstrations.

   Some longer, hard to say; but the length on most were okay.

   Just add gangs to further years.

   24 Sessions

 

2.   Which Session did you enjoy the most?  Why?

  Shooting Range – Both Gary Young and TJ Mahalick kept the whole session very interesting and enjoyable.  BRAVO!!

   Drug Awareness – Sgt Michael Melinsky and ADA Zampogna gave an amazing demonstration of all the drugs.  Great Demonstration!!!

  I enjoyed the DUI Session.  I didn’t understand when I read someone was arrested for a .08 reading, how incapable they were to drive.  Pat really proved what three drinks can do.

   Rifle Range taught us how to hold and shoot a pistol and a rife.  Shot at targets.  Fun.

  I enjoyed each and every one, but my favorite was 911 and PennStar.

   Drug and Identity Theft.  Both were interesting and scary!!

   It is hard to answer this question as I learned so much from each session.  Including demonstrations to further educate us was necessary in order to get the point across (for example – DUI).  All demonstrations whether in the classroom, on the range, or in the patrol car were appropriate and meaningful.

  Prison, Motor Vehicle Crashes and Drug Awareness, very interesting.

   There just wasn’t just one session.  I really enjoyed all of them due to the information presented to us and how it was presented.  Excellent job done by all involved.

   Don’t know if I could pick just one, but the Ride Along, Gun Range, Drug Awareness courses stand out as most memorable.  The jail tour and Use of Force were also quite enjoyable.

  Drug Awareness.  It was very important and informative.  The structure with the officer and the ADA was a good idea.  We got to see the “action” and the resulting consequence.

   Prison and Gangs – both very educational

   Ride Along

   Drug Awareness – very informative, learned a lot.

   Prison Tour – WOW – opened your eyes up a lot.  Because of this tour, my daughter and I have applied to be Corrections Officers.

   Overdose (Drug Awareness).  It was nice to be able to give some of my experiences with this class and to inter act with the officer at this class.  Maybe it would be good to include EMS in this lecture to show how EMS is involved with the Police Depts.

 

3.   Which Session did you enjoy the least?  Why?

  Northampton County Coroner – Kelly Gillis gave an interesting topic on Forensic Anthropology.  At times, she seemed to lose us due to big words.  She acted like it was a real class in college.  Otherwise, she was excellent, and very knowledgeable.

  The session I least enjoyed was the 911 Call Center.  I was bored with all the technical information.  It would have been better to hear the calls, a little excitement.

   Can’t think of any.

   None, they were all great!

   Criminal Justice – very long.  Understand a lot of information but too long.

  County Coroner – didn’t care for what the topic was about.  Thought was going to be different than was.

  The last one – I was sad to see it end.  I met some nice people and learned a lot the last twelve weeks.  I really enjoyed and looked forward to class on Wednesdays.

   The Coroner session was pretty boring.  It needs more ZING!

   I enjoyed them all.

   Crash Investigation was a little dry.

  Coroner – It was okay, but not what we thought.  I think it would have been better with Zach.

   Maybe do the K9 demo earlier that week if a class (time wise) got dark too quick.

  Anthropology of the dead.  Regular Coroner presentation would have been better.  I could have done a more interesting lecture as a paramedic.

 

4.   Was the time of the academy (7:00pm – 9:30pm) easy to fit into your schedule?  If not, what times would have fit better?

   Both Wednesday’s and time fit into my schedule.  Wouldn’t want it later!

  The time was great.  You had time after work to have dinner, and be home early.

   Perfect

   The time was very acceptable.

   Would move the time up.  Some nights were too late.

  Great time schedule!  I had enough time to leave work, eat supper and get there.  I would not change the time.

   Yes, it was easy to fit into my schedule.

   I think 6:00pm to 8:30pm might have been better for me due to me working the midnight shift.

   Times fit well as I work 1st shift.

   The time was convenient and also the location.

   Maybe a little earlier.  6 – 6:30

   I have swing shift.  It doesn’t matter.

   Yes, it was

 

5.   Were the officers and staff you encountered throughout the course, knowledgeable, accommodating, approachable and informative?

  Very much so!  All were excellent and very interesting.  Treated all questions and concerns with respect.  Very interactive and detailed.  Everyone tried to give an example of their own experiences on the job.  Excellent Job!!!

  Did not attend this class, but I’m sure the staff were nothing but great.

   Pat was great; she really made it a great experience for me.

   Very

  Yes, I enjoyed their different views of the job and the various on the job stories.

  I have gained a whole new respect for the staff and officers of CRPD.  They were very open, honest, extremely knowledgeable and very compassionate about their work and the image they displayed.

   Everyone was great!

  Pat does a great job with this class and interacts with the Officers well.  You can tell they enjoy their jobs.

  Most definitely!  It was evident everyone loved doing their job; answered all questions honestly and thoroughly.

  Yes, very knowledgeable and informative.  They knew what they were talking about.

  Very much so, and I feel they were also very professional during their presentations.

   Everyone was knowledgeable and more than willing to answer all questions.

  Very professional – Also very friendly.  My Ride Along made me realize that cops are people too.

   Yes

   Yes, very.  Any questions asked they answered with honesty.

 

6.   What suggestions do you have to improve on any aspect of the Citizen’s Police Academy?

   Criminal Justice / DUI – felt this could be two separate sessions.

   K9 Demo / Identity Theft – this class should have been before the time change, so we could see K9 Officer Rex better.

  Northampton County 911 Tour/PennStar – Due to the darkness, PennStar should have been before the 911 Tour – Be able to talk with pilot.

   I can’t think of any at this time.

   None, I’m going to miss it.

   Sorry…but you could not top anything.

  I thought the Use of Force would have been more self defense then it was.  I would like to have had a class on self protection.

  Nothing to think of other than what was suggested – perhaps changing the classes that need to be changed for more daylight.

   I feel it was done in an excellent way and your Department does an outstanding job with the Citizen’s Police Academy, again Great Job!!

   A ride in the MedEvac.  Actually, the Academy as a whole was awesome.  I wouldn’t change much of anything..

  If there was a way to offer self defense course that would be helpful.

  Maybe in the beginning, everyone could introduce themselves and tell what they do for a living.  So you can actually see where people come from.

  Involve EMS in lectures where appropriate.  I found myself as a paramedic interjecting in some of the lectures, adding info to lectures.

 

7.   What were the expectations you had coming into the Colonial Regional Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy and were those expectations met? 

  I didn’t know what to expect in the classes.  When I got my letter in the mail stating what each class was going to cover I thought “What did I get myself into” but I am so glad that I did sign up for the classes.  Expectations were met and then some!

   I thought we would basically get a lot of class information.  When I realized this was an on-hand program, I was glad I attended.  My expectations were met and then some.

   Perfect.

   The CRPD went above and beyond all my expectations.  Everyone on the force gave 100 + 10% of themselves.  They are all a “wonderful group of officers” and the Department should be very proud.

   I just wanted to learn more about police officers and what they go through.  I will say, can’t pay me enough to do the job and I don’t think they get paid what they’re worth!

  Yes, I just wanted a little awareness of each aspect.  It was just enough information.  Great job!

  To learn more about the Police Department, the officers and how it is run and what it takes.

  I really didn’t have any expectations.  I work in the Detention Center for Juveniles and I thought it would be a great learning experience for me and it was.

  I expected an overview of what CRPD did on the job and was given just that.

   I always had an interest in law in school.  I had taken some college classes and liked the idea of an inside view.

   I wanted to learn about criminal aspect and what exactly Colonial Regional do.

   Just finding out more of what goes on.  Yes.

 

8.   Was there anything that you specifically wanted to experience during your ride-along that you did/did not get to experience?

  I had only two incidents on my ride-along.  I don’t think you can really specify what a person can experience.  An officer can’t really make up and incident to happen.

  My ride-along was uneventful.  I would have liked to see a DUI, kids getting busted for being disrespectful to others and maybe someone picked up for shoplifting.

  I did not have this experience yet, not until 12/2/07, but I sure hope we get to chase somebody.

  Not that I wanted a shoot out but more action would have been nice.

  Not really.  It did make me look at my surroundings more closely and to anticipate what would warrant an officer to pull over and take a closer look.

   Quiet night.  Possibly drug bust or DUI.

  Nothing specific, but I really enjoyed my ride-along.  Saw some neat things out there on patrol.  People I think take officers jobs for granted.  They really have a lot to deal with nigh tin and night out.  The officer I went with gave me a lot of information and made it fun to ride-along.  Very professional and great at explaining what we were going to do.

   I really wanted to see a good DUI stop but I did get to see a decent car wreck and a bar fight!

   It was a rainy night and the night/radio was quiet.  Although that is not a bad thing.  I wish I could have watched a situation.  My officer was Kovach and I’m not sure he was too comfortable with having someone with him.  I wish it was known that we could have picked who we were riding along with.

   No, I was satisfied

   Didn’t have a chance to go because of personal commitments.

 

9.   Was there anything that you specifically wanted to experience during your day at the range that you did/did not get to experience?

   BRAVO!!  Hats off to both Gary Young and TJ Mahalick.  They did an excellent job.  It was a very enjoyable day.  Gentlemen should be commended for such a great job done and for putting up with all of us.  Thank you very much for the gun safety locks.

   No

   Loved it.

  No.  I could not have had a better day.  The weather was on our side, lunch was super and hour afternoon was full of laughs.

   Everything was great!

  Everything was great.  The officers were thorough with their presentation and demonstration.  It was a once in a lifetime experience for me to fire a weapon.

   Nothing specific again, but it was kinda neat to be able to shoot the different guns we were able to use that day and again the Instructors were very professional and conducted the day very well.  Was pleasant to be a part of it.

   My day at the range was awesome!  I got all I wanted and more out of the range.

   No, I was satisfied

 

10.         How did you find out about the Academy?  Can you think of a way to get the word out about the Academy to more people?

   Saw the article in the Home News.  Several people in the Academy said they heard it by other friends that attended last year.  By the way, I felt class size was the right size.

  From someone I worked with.  She took the classes last year.  Word of mouth is good advertisement, but putting it in the local papers help.  (US, Nazareth Key, Home News)

   I’m telling everyone I know.

   A friend of mine attended last year’s class and when she saw the e-mail she forwarded it to me.  I in turn got 3 other people to sign up.  Maybe you could send next years schedule to the people who attended this year and see if they would volunteer to recruit new members.  I know I would.  This has been a wonderful experience.  I’ll tell everyone about this Academy.

  A woman at work did it last year.  I think you should email the people who have went already.  Word of mouth.  I know of quite a few people that would love to do it!

   I read about it in the Home News.  I know I have and will continue to spread the word.  What a wonderful educational experience.

   Through the newspaper and officers at CRPD.

  In the US Newspaper.  One way might be is to put fliers out to people in the community and surrounding communities.  Also maybe something with a local radio station.

  I saw an article in the US paper.  Promo interview with 69 News may increase awareness.  ABC-6 may work too.

   I read about a prior one in the Key.

   Key or US paper.  Maybe post papers in some of the local grocery stores.

   Bath Post Office.  I got three people that want to come.

  Home News. Bigger ad needed so more of the public would take it.

   Step daughter, advertise in papers.

 

11.         Finally, use the space below to list any additional comments, topics, tours or activities that you feel would enhance the Citizen’s Police Academy experience in the future. 

   Visit the “real” Police Academy (training – what it involves)

   Night to ID children and DNA kits for blood type

   Add class for women only for safety.

   Night for EMS or Fire Dept (what it entails)

  Could add a “Junior Academy” to encourage kids to stay on the right path.

  As you add new topics, tours or activities to the next Police Academy, could we attend additional classes?

  Thank you to Pat for all the hard work she put into this excellent program!

  Thank you to all the officers that took part and for any outside speakers

  Thank you very much for the food, hand-outs and notebook.  You made everyone feel very important.

  Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!  By the way, did I say Thank you!

   Patty was great too!

   Great program put together.

   I think “actual videos” of incidents for some of the classes.  Such as PennStar rescues of K9 search, drug arrests, etc.

   A special thank you to Pat for all her hard work and dedication to this program.

  Thank you for giving us the opportunity to join the class!  Keep it up, everyone should go.

  I want to express my sincere thanks to you, Pat, for organizing these sessions and to the Chief, officers, and staff for participating.  I applaud and appreciate the Colonial Regional Police for their fine efforts both in protecting our community and for the public relations aspect.  I am proud of our Force.  These sessions were well worth attending.

   I would really recommend this experience to anyone interested in the field or not interested in the field of Police work.  These people really put their lives on the line every time they put on that uniform to go patrol for their shift.  People really don’t understand what they really do and this class might put that into perspective.  Job well done!  I would love to take this class again!  Good luck to all of you in the Department and thanks again for the experience.

  Perhaps a session or more ideas on how a civilian can help prevent more crime.  Thanks!!

  I would have liked a tour of the morgue.  I enjoyed the prison tour.  That was not what I expected.  I also enjoyed the forensic anthropologist.

   Pat was very accommodating.  Thank you for the experience.

   Maybe EMS and Police involvement

   Keep the Prison Tour and Drug Awareness

   Everyone was excellent.  Kudos to Pat for putting it all together.

  This is a good program.  More of the public should take this program; then they wouldn’t think Police Officers don’t just have coffee and donuts.

   Loved the snacks and coffee provided.

2008 Colonial Regional Police Department