ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Those interested in learning more about local law enforcement have an opportunity to do so through the Escanaba Public Safety Department.
Registration is now open for the Escanaba Public Safety Citizen Academy.
“The Citizens Academy is an eight-week program where you get a more in-depth look at our department,” explained Lieutenant Jeff Erickson. “The police side, we talk about use of force, our K-9 program, and what our field training program is. The firefighting side, we’ll do a jaws of life demonstration or we’ll take the ladder truck out and have a few people get dressed up in turnout gear and get a feel for what all that stuff weighs.”
Participants will also learn how the department works with other organizations in Escanaba and Delta County.
“We look at the criminal court side via the prosecutors, judges coming in to talk,” Erickson said. “We have the director and deputy director of Central Dispatch come in and give a session.”
Instructors also discuss how Escanaba Public Safety partners with other first responders.
“Not only do we fight all the fires here in the City of Escanaba, but we’re also responsible for Wells Township,” said Erickson. “Plus, we’re all part of a mutual aid agreement, so if Ford River needs our help, we’re going to go down there. If Bark River needs our help, we’re going to go down there. We’re also the primary call for anywhere here in Delta County with the jaws of life. You only have a short window to save a life, and you can never have enough people, enough pieces of equipment.”
Erickson says the program also gives participants an idea of what to do—and what not to do—at a scene.
“When people see us out on calls or traffic stops, if you’re not directly involved in the call as a witness or a suspect or victim, it’s best just to stay back and don’t get involved,” he said. “Certainly, if you have questions afterward and we can answer them, we’re more than happy to do so.”
The lieutenant says the Citizens Academy is a great way to educate local residents about the day-to-day operations of the department. He says it also helps to bridge the gap between law enforcement and civilians.
“Probably most important is to develop and foster good relationships with the people of our community so they know our officers and the dispatchers and we can build that trust,” Erickson said. “We’ve always gotten positive feedback, and we hope to continue to do that.”
The Escanaba Public Safety Citizens Academy is expected to begin at the end of September. Sessions will take place on Monday evenings beginning at 6 p.m.
The registration deadline for the Citizens Academy is Saturday, September 14. Applications are available in the lobby of the Public Safety Department, which is located at 1900 3rd Avenue North, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To learn more about the program, contact Lieutenant Erickson at jerickson@escanaba.org or Jennifer Spirks at spriks@escanaba.org.