Posted: June 23, 2009

Preston Noble squeezes the trigger of a Taser, sending a painful jolt of electricity coursing through an Elm Grove police officer's body.

Joshua Cornelius, pepper spray still burning his eyes, aims the barrel of a gun at the officer.

It's the first hands-on day of the Elm Grove Citizen Police Academy, and the two volunteers find themselves in surreal situations that are teaching them the ins and outs of the very real world of law enforcement.

They and 11 others members of the Elm Grove community stepped into officers' shoes - and sometimes into those of criminals - as officers explained the defense and arrest tactics they employ. In addition to seeing the power of a Taser and the limitations of pepper spray firsthand, they also took turns acting as an officer in a mock scenario. In that drill, academy members determined when it was appropriate to shoot a weapon, which contained detergent bullets, at a real officer who played the part of a criminal.

"It was an experience for me to see these events take place," Elm Grove resident Dennis Kaun said of the simulations. "I got a feeling about … (the) control an officer has on a situation."

Broadening understanding

The village has offered the academy to its residents and business owners since 1999. During each 10-week session, students take an active role in learning about patrol procedures, criminal investigation, evidence collection and more.

"People often question what an Elm Grove police officer does," Assistant Police Chief Gus Moulas said, explaining the impetus behind the program. "It was quite a mystery to people what we actually did."

Bringing the students into safe versions of law enforcement situations helps expose the community to the many roles and responsibilities of a police officer.

"They completely have an understanding as to what we do, why we do it," Moulas said. "We really allow our participants to do a lot with us."

For instance, an exercise during the traffic enforcement class helps residents realize how routine traffic stops sometimes can go wrong.

The students are allowed to drive a squad car, sirens blaring, to pull over a driver - played by an officer. They must determine what - if anything - the driver has done wrong.

"You always have to be paying attention," officer Mike Brumbaugh said.

The students go through all the steps that a real officer would - from calling dispatchers to arresting criminals.

Well worth the cost

The academy costs the department between $1,200 and $1,500 each year - largely for officer overtime, but also for equipment and ammunition used during the classes. Moulas said it is worth the expense.

"We find that someone who goes through the academy realizes the importance to be more alert for suspicious activity," he said.

And there is a financial benefit as well.

The Elm Grove Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, formed about eight years ago, has given more than $100,000 in donations to the department. Members' gifts have helped the department pay for flashlights, Tasers, a high-security alarm system and a new desk with a computer window for the booking room, among other things.

Alumni give of their time, too, delivering paperwork to village trustees, directing traffic during special events and helping with speed studies.

"To this day, many of them continue to remain involved," Moulas said.

Get involved

WHAT: attend a Citizen Police Academy session

WHO: anyone 18 and older who lives or works in Elm Grove with a clean criminal record and few driving violations

HOW: Applications are available. Applicants not selected will be placed on a list for the next academy.

WHEN: The next session has yet to be set. Visit elmgrovewi.org/CPA.htm for updates.

CONTACT: Elm Grove police Sgt. Jason Kubiak, (262) 786-4141