LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Another group graduates from the Citizens' Police Academy


Participants of the most recent Citizens' Police Academy presented the chief with a check for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Photo Pippa Fisher

The spring session of the Citizens' Police Academy ended with a graduation during the April 22 Lafayette City Council meeting. And as a surprise gesture of thanks and appreciation, the class presented the police chief with a check for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in his honor.

Lafayette Police Chief Ben Alldritt officiated over the graduation for this group, his second academy since he took over as chief just over a year ago.

The Citizens' Police Academy is an opportunity for residents to learn how the police department functions. Participants attend six evening sessions, plus a Saturday session on the gun range and cover a wide array of topics, including criminal justice, traffic operations, investigations, use of force, a tour of a crime lab and a jail tour. All get to drive a police car, fire a gun and complete a four-hour ride-a-long with an officer. It does not certify participants as police officers.

Alldritt explained that this session comprised a broad spectrum of residents including working and retired professionals, and people who have worked in emergency preparedness, as well as one resident who had told Alldritt that he was there because he had recently retired and his wife signed him up.

Alldritt thanked crime prevention commissioners Denise Brown and Judie Peterson who, together with Police Community Services Officer Cathy Surges-Moscato, he said, make the academy happen. He explained that he values the academy as a chance to educate, share and receive feedback.

"For me and for our staff it's always just a great opportunity for us to engage with folks from our community that have an interest in a variety of topics - law enforcement, emergency preparedness and crime prevention - and to let them see behind the scenes what we do at the police department," the chief said.

Alldritt expressed gratitude for the $250 check in his name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, explaining that the police department is partnering with the society in honor of LPD Officer Neil Black's wife who almost lost her life to cancer two and a half years ago. The annual Police Motorcycle Competition will raise funds for the society later this year.

Residents over 21 years of age who wish to take part in the academy should go online for further details on the fall session, which is enrolling currently.

Info: Visit www.lovelafayette.org, click on City Hall, then City Departments, Police and Citizens' Police Academy.