Bluffton Police Department's second 'citizens academy' doubles in size

When Fred Smith signed up for the Bluffton Police Department's Citizens Police Academy, he wasn't doing it to play cops and robbers.

"I've always had an interest in police work, even though I've never had the desire to be one," Smith said.

However, Smith's curiosity led him to become one of the academy's first 15 graduates. The 2014 class, open to anyone with an interest in law enforcement, completed 10 weeks of classes focused on understanding law enforcement duties.

Now a volunteer for the department, Smith said the lessons he learned have helped him explain how law enforcement works to his neighbors.

The class' success brought in 30 new students this year as the department is set to begin its second round Oct. 12, according to Lt. Christian Gonzales.

"They get exposed to pretty good information and things that we don't normally tell residents," Gonzales said.

Thanks to the suggestions of the previous class, this year's academy will have more hands-on courses on crime scene processing, drug recognition, firearm safety and a day at the shooting range, Gonzales said.

More than half of the police department participates in the classes through teaching and demonstrations, Gonzales said.

He said the added exposure gives officers a chance to engage with the public without the intimidation of a police cruiser.

"They aren't looking for auxiliary police officers and volunteers," Smith said. "They are looking to develop advocates."

Though registration for this year's class is over, anyone interested in learning more can contact Gonzales at 843-706-4550.

Follow Caitlin Turner on Twitter at twitter.com/Cait_E_Turner.

This story was originally published October 1, 2015 at 9:01 AM with the headline "Bluffton Police Department's second 'citizens academy' doubles in size."