What Is It Like To Be A Police Officer?

You have probably watched many police dramas, and maybe a comedy or two. You might have even played 'cops and robbers' in the old days. But would you really like to learn what it's like to be a police officer?

The Owatonna Police Department is once again offering its Citizen's Police Academy beginning in late October. The program strives to "increase police awareness whereas to dispel suspicions and misconceptions and to increase police/community rapport through an educational process" according to the announcement on the city's website.

The program will be held Mondays starting October 29, 2018, and running through December 17 from 6 to 8 pm. Among the topics are patrol procedures, use of force and a tour of the Pearl Street 911 Center. Find an application here, stop by the Law Enforcement Center at 204 E Pearl St or call Pamela Roberts at 507-774-7200. Applications are due by October 22.

The academy "was created in order to provide participants with enough information so that they are capable of making an informed judgement about their police department and police activity." The announcement also indicates that the department "becomes more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community it serves, making it a two way learning process."