After following one of her 20 known Czech commands, Bessie, a full-bred Malinois in the Mississippi State University K-9 department, sprinted across the Starkville Police Department shooting range lawn, ready to strike.
Cpl. Patrick Jenkins, equipped with a full-arm bite sleeve, braced for impact on the other side.
Just seconds before, Bessie had showed her full affection to Jenkins, but once the bite sleeve was present and she sensed aggression, her demeanor quickly changed.
The K-9 training demonstration, along with a narcotics presentation by SPD Detective Scotty Carrithers, completed class seven of the SPD summer Citizens Academy, which aims to provide valuable insight to community members on an officer’s everyday duties.
Two years ago, SPD implemented its first citizens’ academy. After a year off, the program returned this summer with 10 participants.
Officer Taylor Wells, SPD hopes continued growth and interest will push the academy to an annual endeavor.
The program, Wells said, is meant to provide some transparency between the officers and citizens. Many people, he continued, tend to take a step back when they see the uniform.
“The most important thing is for them to get some insight on why we do the things we do,” he said. “To be able to have a level of understanding from the community we serve really helps the relationship.”
Along with interactive demonstrations and field trips, the 10-week program includes lecture-style lessons on departmental operations — ranging from patrol, narcotics, communication and criminal investigation.
Diane Jones and Robin Johnston, two participants who have not missed a week yet, said they have participated in ride-alongs, toured the Oktibbeha County Jail and practiced their shooting skills at the range. But according to Jones, the best part is having the opportunity to get to know the officers.
“I’ve found out that all of the officers are just regular guys,” Jones said. “Regular guys doing a very dangerous job.”
This unique opportunity, Johnston said, would benefit everyone in the community.
“It’s hands-on and it’s great to see what all the officers are doing for us,” Johnston said. “I just wish there was a way to get the word out more, because I think a lot of people would really love this program.”
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