Newton Citizen

Preparing for Covington's Public Safety Citizen's Academy are (l-r) Covington Fire Department firefighter Kevin Smith, Covington-Newton County 911 Center Operator Dara Penland and Covington Police Department Officer Demetri Myers. - Special photo

COVINGTON -- The city of Covington will be holding it's first Public Safety Citizen's Academy beginning Thursday, April 11. The program will last 12 weeks with classes meeting each Thursday night from 6-9 p.m.

"As part of the new SCAN initiative (Safer Covington Action Network), the Citizens Public Safety Academy will provide an opportunity for citizens to become familiar with the various resources, services and functions of the city of Covington municipal government," said Covington Police Department Capt. Ken Malcom. "Unlike most 'citizen academies' the city of Covington's program will focus on all public safety organizations within the city, rather than just the police department."

During these training sessions, representatives of the various departments within the city of Covington will conduct presentations and demonstrations on a variety of topics to include municipal government, police (uniform patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, drug investigations, K-9, SWAT, firearms, use of force), fire (fire response, fire prevention, first aid, CPR), and 911 communications.

Participants will also engage in practical exercises with the different departments during this academy.

"Through this program, we hope to establish additional support and a heightened degree of community awareness in our government while developing and growing a nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens, who have the potential to influence public opinion concerning city of Covington practices and the delivery of services," Malcom said. "We also hope that some participants will express an interest in becoming a volunteer for the police, fire, or 911 center."

Space is limited to 20 citizens and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For application information please contact Lt. Al Miller at 770-786-7605 or e-mail at (amos.miller@covingtonpolice.com); Investigator Asher Dozier (asher.dozier@covingtonpolice.com); or Capt. Ken Malcom (ken.malcom@covingtonpolice.com.