Take a deep dive into UAPD's operations with the Community Academy
The University of Arizona Police Department is inviting faculty and staff to register for the second cohort of the UAPD Community Academy, a 10-week course that dives into the department's operations, expertise, mission and service.
Chris Olson, Chief, University of Arizona Police Department
"We want to share as much about the organization as we can, to build those connections with the faculty and staff," said UAPD Chief Chris Olson, who started the academy after a 20-year career with the Oro Valley Police Department, which offers a Citizens Academy. "It's one 'A' that we all wear and work for. The police department and its employees are just like all the other people here."
The inaugural cohort began in January and concluded in April. Among the topics were crime analysis, investigations, mental health support and training. At the end of each session, instructors answered questions from the participants.
The second Community Academy will begin next month. Sessions will be held in Environment and Natural Resources 2 on Wednesdays from 5:30-8 p.m., beginning on Sept. 11 and ending Nov. 20. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, and is limited to the first 40 registrants. While the lineup will largely be the same, some changes have been made in response to feedback from the first cohort, including an earlier start time, longer sessions to allow more time for questions, and slide presentations that better reflect accessibility best practices.
The 10-week Community Academy features topics including crime analysis, investigations, mental health support and training.
By launching the academy, UAPD hoped to dispel suspicions and misconceptions about the department's operations while also hearing participants' thoughts, feelings and concerns related to public safety, said Lt. Andre Lyko, who coordinated the sessions for the first cohort.
In addition to increasing participants' understanding of UAPD policies and operations, the academy "provided us with a great opportunity to learn more about our community's expectations through direct dialogue. Community policing is about building relationships, sharing ideas and working together in a 'whole community' approach to address issues of crime, disorder and all matters that affect the quality of life for our amazing community," Olson said.
Members of the first cohort said they were impressed with the breadth and depth of UAPD's operations.
"They have some really amazing people," said GT Russell, coordinator for the Language Training Center.
A veteran and former law enforcement officer with two daughters attending the university, Russell said he wanted to familiarize himself with the names, faces and operations of the department so he could help his children generally feel safer on campus and better navigate potential safety concerns.
"Knowledge is power and, really, that's what I am here for," Russell said. "If my daughters have an issue, I know who to call. I know who to reach out to, and I know how it all works. I love this, and I think it's great. I think that the communication and the openness that they're speaking with, it's very surprising."
Spencer Gantt, a senior systems administrator for the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, said he values open dialogue and tough conversations.
"My biggest impression is that UAPD does do a lot on campus, and there are a lot of moving parts," he said.
Another participant, who works at a location off campus, said she signed up for the academy to learn more about the UAPD services available to her and her colleagues.
"Overall, I was impressed with the UAPD staff, their willingness to stand up in front of their U of A colleagues and the student body and be open to questions," said Sara Plevel, administrative operations manager and safety officer at the Arizona Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. "It was like each section of the department did a dissertation defense in front of an open house."
Abraham Zamorano, a general maintenance mechanic with Housing and Residential Life, said he also was impressed with the expertise at UAPD.
His personal experiences with law enforcement in general, he said, have not been positive.
"The academy helped me better understand the purpose of the U of A police and appreciate more what they do on campus," Zamorano said. "I believe the U of A police department is a great example of where policing should be heading. Their commitment to educating, engaging, communicating and understanding the community they are a part of is commendable."