“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” — Edmund Burke
The Shawano Police Department will hold its second Citizens Police Academy of the year beginning on Monday, Sept. 14. Officer Brandy Hoffman is this year’s coordinator. The program will run seven consecutive weeks from 6-9 p.m. The first class will be conducted by Police Chief Mark Kohl. It will be held in the City Hall’s community room.
The academy is a program designed to provide information regarding the roles and responsibilities of the Police Department. Sometimes all the public sees is a uniform. The academy gives the residents an understanding of the person behind the badge. It allows the public to have a better understanding of the Police Department while allowing the officers an opportunity to become more familiar with the citizens they serve.
The program schedule and topics are as follows:
Sept. 14: Introduction, operations, crime prevention, training and background required to be hired as officers.
Sept. 21: Firearms, use of force, Taser, DAAT, handcuffing.
Sept. 28: Radio communications, dispatch, jail.
Oct. 5: OWI, traffic stops, high-risk stops.
Oct. 12: Drug enforcement, K-9 demo.
Oct. 19: Crime scenes, criminal investigations, mock crime scene.
Oct. 27: Dive team demo, graduation certificates and celebration.
Lt. Brad Rabideau is looking forward to his participation during the Sept. 21 session regarding firearms and use of force. He commented, “It gives us the opportunity to dispel some of the myths and stories about the use of force.”
He added, “This session is held at the shooting range where demonstrations are given. The class participates in an exercise requiring split-second decision making.”
He added, “It is a real eye-opening experience, and residents seem to appreciate the knowledge they obtain.”
Officer Shane Stange remarked, “As an officer, I am in favor of citizens being prepared and educated about crime. Police training and communication with the community is what makes a successful police department.”
Officer Stange continued, “There have been several instances lately where public education of the police profession would be beneficial. The unfortunate incident with the Brown County K-9 is an example. The public does not have a full understanding of the role of a K-9 and the equipment that goes into a squad to ensure the safety of the animal.”
He added, “Another recent incident occurred here in Shawano a few days ago. One of our officers was punched in the head and bit on the arm. Sometimes public perception of the use of force causes officers to hesitate from protecting themselves. Recently a police officer in Alabama was severely beaten because he was afraid to use force. The incident was captured on a cell phone video and some cheered. That is so unfortunate.”
He added, “I believe communication will help bridge the gap if there is a disconnect with the police department.”
Lt. Rabideau commented, “As officers we value the chance to meet with the public. A great deal of our time is spent dealing with the small percentage of residents who break the law. It is nice change to communicate with residents who are among the vast majority of law-abiding residents.”
Rabideau continued, “Through attending this program, we hope participants will become ambassadors in our community, sharing with others what they learned about the Shawano Police Department and the men and women who are here to serve and protect.”
There is no charge for the class. Anyone over 18 years of age may attend. If you are interested, please call the Shawano Police Department at 715-524-4545 for registration information.
Police Chief Mark Kohl added, “We encourage business owners and their employees to attend the Citizens Police Academy, too. We hope to have a good turnout!”
The answer to last week’s trivia question — Can you name the mayor and aldermen in 1989? — is Lee Schrader was mayor, and Dan Hinkfuss, Ramon Buettner, Elmer Martens, Fred Krueger, Russell Schmidt and Tom Kroening were the aldermen.
This week’s question is: Can you name the three lumber companies (on Richmond Street, East Center Street, East Mauer Street) located in the city in 1972?
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