Citizens Police Academy Affords Public Inner View of Law Enforcement

CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Department of Public Safety has hosted the 2016 Citizens Police Academy the past seven weeks at the county Police Academy, 171 Crest Haven Road. 
Each week a topic of law enforcement is discussed including criminal law, crime scene investigation, SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics), K-9 and others. 
Police chiefs from different municipalities in the county attend each week giving an overview about their town and taking questions from eager citizens wanting to learn more about the county’s police services. Not only is the Citizens Police Academy informative and fun, but you can also learn lifesaving skills and get CPR and AED certified but all citizens completing the free 8 week program receive a graduation certificate. 
Nick Gallaccio, team leader of the Cape May County SWAT Team was one of the guest speakers explaining how the SWAT team works and showing off some of its special swat tactical tools. 
The SWAT Team consists of 34 members, with two females.
Gallaccio described the strict requirements for not only becoming a SWAT member but remaining on the team, including extensive ongoing exercises. 
The SWAT team responds to approximately 50-60 calls a year ranging from tactical assistance, search warrants, barricade situations and security with the majority of calls for drug-related search warrants. 
Special tactical equipment was displayed giving citizens hands-on approach learning about the tools of the trade but an in-depth understanding.
Middle Township Police Chief Christopher Leusner did a presentation on budgeting April 18. Leusner broke down the Middle Township Police Department’s budget, down to the dollar, giving insight to every penny spent in the department. 
Also on hand was the Cape May County Sheriff’s K-9 unit. That unit consists of Belgian Malinois (Belgian shepherd) and bloodhound breeds, which work best for the needs of Cape May County. 
These canines train with their partner from 12-18 weeks and each Malinois gets its own vest thanks to generous donations. With just the vest costing $2,000 apiece, the estimated training per dog is approximately $40,000 making these special officers a true investment to our community. 
The Belgian Malinois training includes obedience, tracking, search and bite techniques; while bloodhounds are used for scent specific tasks including tracking criminals and missing persons as well as explosives.  
The Citizens Police Academy ended April 27 with an overview of all the services performed by police and a graduation certificate. 
Leusner had a patrol car present for an up close and personal look inside a squad car.
Robert Boyd, retired chief from Cape May City, explained that this is an annual event and invites all interested adults in the county to attend. With the combination of education and hands-on demonstrations the Citizens Police Academy is a rare opportunity to get to know all police services in the county.
To contact Johanna Hovik, email jhovik@cmcherald.com.