By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (July 8, 2010) – Mount Pleasant residents recently graduated from the 2010 Mount Pleasant Citizen Police Academy with critical skills and knowledge that will empower them to promote and practice crime prevention awaraness. Recent graduates include Bill Major, Amy Major, Mitchell Sherr, Frederic Vatter, Eileen Auringer, Robert Auringer, Lorice McMahon, Dick Redden, Jim Merryman, Brian Stafford, Chris Skipper, Jacquelyn Goodwater, JoAnne Penington, Jimi Yarborough, Susan LaMotte, Marsha Monteith, and Jack Leber.

“I would like to thank our recent graduates for investing in their community,” said Mount Pleasant Police Chief Harry Sewell. “The Mount Pleasant Police Department believes its service delivery must incorporate a shared responsibility with the community and motivate the strengths of neighborhoods. Critical to the success of this shared responsibility are well informed citizens who have an awareness of the mission, resources, practices, and services of the department. To that end, the Mount Pleasant Police Department has developed a 10-week Citizen Police Academy for the residents of Mount Pleasant.”

The Mount Pleasant Citizen Police Academy – the third of its kind in South Carolina – provides a chance for the citizens of Mount Pleasant to understand the various aspects of the police department on a more personal level and to closely interact with its members. A wide range of topics will be discussed to include, but not limited to, national accreditation, operations, uniform patrol, traffic services, and investigations. Since its inception more than a decade ago, more than 200 Mount Pleasant residents have graduated from the academy.

“Community involvement is the most powerful, efficient, and practical force any local law enforcement agency has in the fight against crime,” said crime prevention officer Don Calabrese. “The department wants to encourage the citizens of the Town to become active partners with their police department by working together to identify solutions and strategies to the problems facing Mount Pleasant. More than just an educational opportunity for citizens, the academy has proven beneficial to the police department as well. Several graduates have become volunteers for the police department, good will ambassadors for the Town of Mount Pleasant, and promoters of the academy itself.”

Meeting only on Mondays, one day a week for 10 weeks, these classes will allow flexibility for voluntary portions of the program. Class size will be limited to 20 students of at least 18 years of age who have successfully completed the application process.

The classes take place at the Mount Pleasant Police Department, 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant. Anyone interested in enrolling in the Citizen Police Academy should contact crime prevention officer Calabrese at (843) 849-2779 or calabrese@townofmountpleasant.com.