Law enforcement shares behind-the-scenes look at department operations

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Police Department and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office will host their Joint Citizens Law Enforcement Academy next month.

The program will offer a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at how the departments protect and serve the community.

It will also cover a range of topics and feature demonstrations by K-9 units, drones, traffic enforcement officers, crime scene investigators and more.

SJPD Crime Prevention Officer, Sgt. James Edwards said it’s important for residents to understand how law enforcement operates to stay transparent and maintain a good relationship with the public.

"I have personally seen a lot of confusion about why it takes two or three officers on certain calls. This kind of opens the door for us to kind of explain,” he said. "I think it’s a good tool to help us get closer to the community, because if they can see what we do and see the types of things we go through and the types of things we do on a daily basis. I feel like they can have a little more understanding, and both sides can get a little more understanding of procedures on both sides.”

Sheriff Bill Puett said the academy exposes residents to those in the sheriff's department they may not have met before.

"When the sheriff's office is over 100 men and women here that serve this community, and it's great for our citizens to get to meet some of those folks they don’t get to meet on a regular basis,” he said.

The Academy also provides an opportunity for the sheriff's office and the police department to work together.

"We’re next-door neighbors, we’re in the same building. It builds relationships between the two departments, which is greatly needed because we work together in a lot of aspects,” Edwards said.

“We serve better, and we streamline a lot of resources and do much better for our community when we work together in partnership,” Puett said.

Puett said he encourages any resident to join the program.

"Everybody who attends the program can’t believe it goes quick and they really enjoy it. You want a chance to see a lot of things people don’t get to see, and see the men and women who serve you. Please come and sign up," said Puett.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be residents of Buchanan County and have no criminal record.

The Academy will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday, starting on March 31, and continuing through May 26 at the Law Enforcement Center, located at 501 Faraon St.

Residents can learn more and register for the Joint Citizens Law Enforcement Academy by visiting www.stjosephmo.gov/650/Citizens-Police-Academy.