Week 7 - Raytown Police Department Citizens Academy

Week 7 was delayed by one week due to the weather. I was happy about that because I would have otherwise missed week 7 and wouldn't be able to graduate (because I also missed week 6). Had a personal medical issue that had me sidelined for a bit. Any hoo...on to week 7. Topics covered included Overview of VIPS program, Recruiting and Training of Sworn Officers & Civilian Employees, Raytown Crime Watch Team, Neighborhood Crime Watch and finally "Questions you always wanted to ask but haven't".

Civilian Marilyn Fleming kicked off class discussing the VIPS program. Marilyn is the Community Services Unit Coordinator for Raytown Police Department. She is the coordinator for the Citizens Academy as well. VIPS stands for Volunteers in Police Service. Law Enforcement volunteer programs are not designed to replace sworn officers or civilian personnel but rather supplement functions of law enforcement agencies allowing officers to do their job in a more effective manner (focus on more essential duties). There are many volunteer opportunities for VIPS participants. Some opportunities available through Raytown Police Department include Detention/Booking, Historian for Department, Computer Entry. Participants of the citizens academy will get to ask more questions and express interest in volunteer opportunities in next weeks class. To learn more about VIPS visit their website at www.policevolunteers.org. Many area law enforcement agencies get volunteers through VIPS.

RPD does not currently have a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) but if their is enough interest this is a project Marilyn will be heading up. This is a program I am interested in but since I am not a resident of Raytown I will most likely pursue it in the city I live in. CERT teams do not replace first responders but rather supplement emergency services as needed during disasters. For more information about CERT visit www.citizencorps.gov/cert/about.shtm.

Sergeant Michelle Rogers discussed the Professional Standards Unit. PSU is responsible for Internal Affairs, Recruiting and Hiring of Sworn Officers as well as Training. Sgt Rogers reviewed the hiring process including the extensive application and interview process. Volunteers must go through an application and interview process as well although not quite as extensive (ie. no physical or psychological exams). PSU investigates all complaints received. RPD is very proactive with training of sworn officers.

FYI... Commendations go to the Chief for review. People are quick to complain but few take the time to complement. If you have had a good/positive experience with an officer take the time to write a letter of commendation to say thank you. I did. It was for a different department. It feels a little weird running in to that deputy as much as I do but I have no regrets about writing the commendation.

Raytown has a Citizen Crime Watch Patrol. Bob, Fred and Jim (sorry, didn't get their last names) were present to discuss the team. It was established in 1992. Currently there are 9 members. There have been as many as 20. It is a nonprofit organization independent of the police department that works closely with the police department to serve as the eyes and ears for the police. The citizens patrol all areas within the city limits of Raytown. The goal is to be proactive and report any suspicious activity to dispatch for follow up by police. Members of the patrol go through 50 hours of training before being set free to patrol on their own. The Crime Watch Patrol can be identified by the sign on their vehicles. If interested in learning more contact Marilyn Fleming through the Raytown Police Department.

Officer Krista Mann discussed the Neighborhood Crime Watch program. The goal of neighborhood watch programs is for citizens to be more aware of what is happening in their neighborhood and to help prevent crime by working with the police department and becoming involved. Officer Mann initiated the VIPS program for RPD and remains very involved with the Neighborhood Crime Watch program while working in patrol full time.

Last but not least... Major Ted Bowman answered "Questions you always wanted to ask but haven't." Questions included:

Why do detectives wear business attire?
It is sometimes a softer approach (talking to an officer in plain clothes versus uniform). Depends on situation. Detectives can wear their uniform and do so depending on the type of job they are working.

Is there a case that haunts you?
The case that most haunts Major Bowman is the unsolved murder of Sarah Blessing in 1992. The suspect is believed to be a serial killer known as the I70 killer responsible for 9 deaths.

The other case that haunts Major Bowman is the disappearance of Kim Tilden in 1987. To date the case has not been solved.

How do the traffic lights change for emergency vehicles?
Traffic lights have sensors on top of the lights (I thought those were red light cameras but they are not). The sensor uses a flash frequency to detect the emergency lights. Once detected the sensor changes the light to green for the direction the emergency vehicle is going and red for all other traffic directions. The technology is installed in marked cars only. Vehicles without the technology installed cannot trigger the sensors.

What determines how many officers respond to a call for service?
Seriousness of call and availability of officers. Calls involving kids will always get a high response.

What is the biggest challenge facing Raytown Police Department?
Keeping up with the times. Technology seems to always be one step ahead of law enforcement.

Is radar a priority task for officers?
Radar is secondary. It can be run between calls. Service calls always take priority over running radar. Traffic units run radar more frequently than patrol.

What is a positive quality of RPD?
The people! From the young to the seasoned officers, RPD prides itself in hiring quality people.

What happens when a complaint is received about an officer?
The complaint is investigated by the Professional Standards Unit. Questions addressed include: Is there an issue with the officer that needs to be addressed? Training issue, behavioral issue, etc. or is it a citizen with a grudge against a specific officer?

How do officers get in to cop mode at the beginning of their shift and get out of cop mode at the end of their shift?
Routine. Everyone's different but it's important to have a routine to begin the shift to help get engaged and at the end of the shift to disengage.

Thank you to Major Bowman for being very candid and answering participant questions!

At the conclusion of class I got an opportunity to do an unscheduled ride along for a few hours. I have a friend on the department who happened to be working patrol that night. I was having a difficult day and needed to talk so I sent a text to a few friends. Upon receiving my text stating I needed to talk my friend (Officer Leigh Brooks) got permission from her supervisor for me to ride with her for a few hours which allowed me talk through an issue I was having and get input from a friend. Thank you RPD for making that exception for me. It is a great example that RPD has quality people!

Next week is graduation! A class picture will be taken and CA participants will get an opportunity to discuss what they liked about the citizens academy, what improvements could be made, etc. Participants will also be able to express their interest in volunteering and starting a CERT program in Raytown.