NOELLE FRAMPTON nframpton@ctpost.com
Article Last Updated: 03/25/2008 11:54:11 PM EDT
MILFORD — Police officers don't have ticketing quotas, they don't target red cars, they don't all chow down on doughnuts and yes, they are human.
These were some of Police Chief Keith Mello's points during the graduation ceremony for the first-ever Milford Citizens Police Academy Tuesday night at the Milford Public Library, when the 28 academy graduates were honored and Mello debunked some common police "myths" they submitted.
It was to dispel misconceptions and give ordinary citizens a better understanding of police work that Milford police launched the 11-session academy on Jan. 17.
"Our goal was to kind of knock down the brick walls of the police department," Mello said to graduates and their families.
He said participants' feedback will help inform next year's academy and "make it even better."
Milford police began taking applications for the free course last December and chose from more than 40 applicants. Two elected city officials, two aspiring policemen and a local reporter are among the first graduating class, which includes Milford residents and business owners ages 21 to senior.
Course participants shot handguns, learned how to spot signs of terrorism and lift fingerprints, and saw demonstrations from K-9, marine and Special Response teams. They gave "chase" in a police car driving simulator and participated in a "shoot don't shoot" simulation that required split-second decisions.
Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. told graduates he was grateful for the academy as a partnership between police and citizens.
"This is part of the police department's ongoing community policing efforts," he said. "We're continually getting better at what we do ... and you're a part of that now."
Course participants said it enhanced their appreciation for local police and their understanding of police work.
Bryan Gaus, general manager of the Westfield Connecticut Post mall and an Orange resident, said he learned from the course on both personal and professional levels and had fun doing it.
"It was great to finally get to know a lot of the officers ... on an individual basis," he said, adding that the mall sometimes hires Milford officers as extra security. "We should be very proud of the Milford police."
Todd Swarney, 38, took the course as part of his bid to become a Milford policeman.
Swarney, who this month passed the physical agility test, said he wanted "more information about what goes on behind the scenes" and liked what he saw.
"I'm very glad that I signed up," he said. "It exceeded my expectations. I would be honored some day, if I ever become a police officer, to serve side by side with them."