Winder Citizen Police Academy underway
The 13th session of the Winder Citizen Police Academy (CPA) began Thursday, September 10 at the Winder Community Center.
The first session included presentations by Winder Police Chief Stanley Rodgers and District Attorney Brad Smith.
Chief Rodgers discussed recent technological changes and improvements within the department including computer records management and a state of the art communication room.
Rodgers said the needs of police services are demanding, especially in difficult economic times.
“Although the City of Winder has made some layoffs which effected every department, the police department is still in the process of hiring an additional three officers,” Rodgers said.
According to Rodgers, the department recently received $400,000 in Federal stimulus money which will allow the department to hire additional officers and purchase needed police equipment.
District Attorney Brad Smith said his office was also seeking stimulus money. Smith said the funds would be used to fund a drug court for three years.
According to Smith, the drug court would be more cost effective and more efficient. The drug court would also reduce the number of misdemeanor drug cases sent to Superior Court for adjudication.
Reducing the number of drug cases would allow the District Attorney’s Office to spend more time on other cases, Smith said.
“Over time, the drug court would be paying for itself,” he said.
The next session of the CPA will focus on defensive tactics. Other CPA classes include crime scene investigations, firearms, law enforcement technology and advancements in policing.
For more information about the Citizen Police Academy, visit www.cityofwinder.com or call Joey Lovinggood, Citizen Police Academy Coordinator at (770) 867-2156.
Chief Rodgers discussed recent technological changes and improvements within the department including computer records management and a state of the art communication room.
Rodgers said the needs of police services are demanding, especially in difficult economic times.
“Although the City of Winder has made some layoffs which effected every department, the police department is still in the process of hiring an additional three officers,” Rodgers said.
According to Rodgers, the department recently received $400,000 in Federal stimulus money which will allow the department to hire additional officers and purchase needed police equipment.
District Attorney Brad Smith said his office was also seeking stimulus money. Smith said the funds would be used to fund a drug court for three years.
According to Smith, the drug court would be more cost effective and more efficient. The drug court would also reduce the number of misdemeanor drug cases sent to Superior Court for adjudication.
Reducing the number of drug cases would allow the District Attorney’s Office to spend more time on other cases, Smith said.
“Over time, the drug court would be paying for itself,” he said.
The next session of the CPA will focus on defensive tactics. Other CPA classes include crime scene investigations, firearms, law enforcement technology and advancements in policing.
For more information about the Citizen Police Academy, visit www.cityofwinder.com or call Joey Lovinggood, Citizen Police Academy Coordinator at (770) 867-2156.
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