TPD holds first-of-a-kind citizens' academy

Residents in Troy will soon get a behind-the-scenes look at how their local police department operates. 

The Troy Police Department (TPD) is launching its first ever citizens’ police academy, a six-week program designed to give community members a better understanding of law enforcement operations. TPD Chief Danny Barron said the goal of the academy is to increase transparency and strengthen relationships with the public. 

“We want to be as transparent as we can,” Barron said. “We want our citizens to understand what we do and why we do the things we sometimes do. 

“I think in doing that, it helps our relationship with the citizens in our community.” 

The academy will educate participants about the different divisions within the department.

Barron said several officers will speak during the sessions, including those from crime scene investigations, special operations and narcotics. 

Paige Ray is the television production coordinator for TrojanVision. Ray has had prior experience with law enforcement and plans to attend the academy to gain a better understanding of how police operate behind the scenes.  

“Being a journalist, I’ve gone to countless crime scenes,” Ray said. “I’ve talked to several members of law enforcement, but the chance to see what they do behind the scenes is going to give me a better appreciation for the job, both on a personal level and then also teaching students how to interact with officers.  

“This is an event that I think, and hope, will benefit me both personally and professionally.” 

At the end of the academy, participants will be tested using the Troy University Police Department’s (TUPD) VIRTRA System, an upgraded version of a firearm training simulator.  

“The VIRTRA System has hundreds of scenarios ranging from ambushes on officers to subjects suffering from mental health issues,” said TUPD Sergeant Andrew Garrett. “How [an officer] interacts with the scenario determines the outcome. 

“One scenario involves a subject with a gun sitting on a park bench. The scenario has several options on how the interaction can go. 

“One interaction is good, and the subject complies with the officers’ commands. The other interaction consists of the subject ambushing the officer.” 

The academy will begin March 26 at the Troy Municipal Courtroom and continue through April 30. Sessions will be held every Thursday at 6 p.m. and will last about two hours. 

Applications for the academy are currently full, but Barron said the department plans to offer additional sessions in the future.