2022 Citizens Police Academy Nearing Completion

(Beaver Dam) With only a couple weeks remaining, the Beaver Dam Citizen’s Police Academy is nearing the conclusion of the 14-week program.  Drug investigations, OWI Procedures, Firearms, Defensive and Arrest Tactics are just a couple of the topics covered under the instruction of the departments experienced officers. 

One such officer is Detective Heather Johnson, who serves as the departments special victims expert has been on the job for 18 years.  She says the victims she deals with are most likely going through the most traumatic things that have ever happened in their life.  Adding that getting to talk to them and obtain details in a caring way where they feel safe is what helps detectives solve cases.

Detective Johnson says the desire to be in law enforcement began back in her school days with the DARE program and school liaison officers, adding programs like those and like the Citizens Police Academy provide an important public service. 

She says that law enforcement has been getting a bad rap, and the public doesn’t really know what officers deal with daily.  Johnson adds that hopefully those taking part in the program will have a better understanding and can share that with their friends and family.

This year marks the return of the Citizens Police Academy after COVID put the program on hiatus.