Menomonie (WQOW) - A group of area citizens are getting the chance to learn more about the officers who protect and serve them. The Menomonie Police Department has offered ten community members a chance to participate in their police academy, where everyday citizens receive police training from the officers themselves.
"This year we have a cross section of community members. Folks that work for non-profits, business owners, school principals," said Sergeant Brian Hagen.
Hagen says the interactive approach helps better educate the public.
"It allows us to show the community our expertise, the different tools that we have to try and protect and serve the community. And to clear up any misconceptions that members of the public may have. Why we do certain things in certain situations," Hagen said.
From traffic stops to drug investigations, the academy allows citizens to experience life as a Menomonie Police Officer.
"We're just seeing a minor, minor portion of what they do. Just a teeny tiny sliver of what they do every day. And we're not even beginning to cover everything that they have to think about, everything that they have to do, everything that they have to know. All the different laws, all the different procedures, and that kind of thing. It really is eye opening," said WQOW's Megan Wiebold.
The class got the chance to test out the departments weaponry.
"We had the opportunity to shoot both a handgun and a rifle. The rifle was definitely way overwhelming. It didn't have a lot of kickback but it was definitely something where being accurate is something that is hard for the average citizen," said Susan Mommsen, Menomonie High School Assistant Principal.
In the end, participants say Saturday's training gave them a greater appreciation for law enforcement.
"They have a very dangerous job, or potentially dangerous job. And it's been a real great opportunity to see what they have to deal with on a daily basis," Mommsen said.
The course takes eight weeks to complete. The program began back in 2001.
