Students Graduate from Powder Springs Police's Citizen Academy

The first Citizen Police Academy under Powder Springs police Chief Charlie Sewell is in the books.

“It’s very exciting for me to host a Citizen Police Academy,” he said, “and the results of this academy were everything I expected.”

Graduation for the 11-week program was held last Tuesday, and the 11 graduates were given certificates from Mayor Pat Vaughn, City Council members, Sewell, and the program’s coordinator, Lt. Julie Collins.

Twelve people—who either live, work or frequently travel through the city—started the program in mid-August, but one person had to drop out because of health reasons. The aim was to teach citizens police operations firsthand through lectures, field trips and simulated activities. 

Sewell said the students will now be more willing to inform police when they see something suspicious and have a better understanding of police work.

“We are just very proud to have established a relationship with these members of the Citizen Police Academy," he said, "and we looked forward to a continuous partnership with them for years to come.”

Looking forward, the department plans to host two academies a year—one in the spring, one in the fall—and is also coordinating a citizen volunteer patrol program. For more information about either, contact the department at 770-943-1616.

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