by Wesley Harris
In a continued effort to build stronger ties with the community and foster transparency, the Ruston Police Department has announced plans to host a citizens police academy in September. The initiative is part of a nationwide trend among law enforcement agencies to demystify policing and engage the public in meaningful dialogue and shared experiences.
Since his appointment as police chief, Eric Watson has emphasized the importance in bridging the gap between officers and civilians. He mentioned the citizens academy idea at his very first news conference in March. It’s one of a number of initiatives he has started to build a stronger bond with the community.
As one local publication explained in describing a contentious meeting between the chief and people at a neighborhood meeting, Watson is stepping up to the challenge. When the meeting got a bit contentious, the paper said, “To his credit, he didn’t walk out. He listened. He answered. He tried to address their concerns.”
You have to commend his attitude and his willingness to seek alternatives to the same old, same old.
The citizens police academy is a free, multi-week program designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how their police department operates. Participants will learn about various aspects of law enforcement, including criminal investigations, patrol strategies, use of force protocols, 911 communications, crime scene processing, and community policing. The program offers insight into the challenges officers face daily.
“This program is not about recruiting future police officers,” Watson said. “It’s about creating informed citizens who understand the work we do, why we do it, and how we make decisions in high-pressure situations.”
Law enforcement agencies across the country have found citizens police academies to be a powerful tool in building trust and cooperation with the communities they serve. By opening their doors and allowing residents to walk in the shoes of a police officer, departments aim to dispel myths, reduce tension, and foster mutual respect.
I led a police department years ago and embraced the citizens academy concept when the idea was in its infancy. I discovered the transformative power of the program. Back then in the early nineties, we specifically reached out to some of the most vocal—but level-headed—skeptics. We invited them to participate in the program, and by the end of it, their perspective had completely shifted.
Those who were initially critical of police practices gained a deeper understanding after riding along with officers and observing how they handled difficult situations with restraint, professionalism, and compassion. More than once, I heard participants say, ‘I never would have handled that as calmly as the officer did.’ That kind of realization only comes from personal experience.
Many of those CPA graduates became volunteers in our agency, stepping up to handle some administrative duties so sworn officers could focus on crimefighting.
The upcoming academy is expected to follow a similar format to the one I used, with weekly sessions combining classroom instruction and practical demonstrations. Ideally in a CPA, participants engage in hands-on scenarios, giving them a realistic sense of the split-second decisions officers often must make.
This is more than just an educational opportunity. It’s a chance for the police to listen, to learn from our citizens, and to build relationships that make our city safer and stronger. Let’s support the chief’s efforts to form a bond between the police and the public through mutual concerns and respect.
Watch the Lincoln Parish Journal for announcements on the opening of the application process.
For the latest local news, subscribe FOR FREE to the Lincoln Parish Journal and receive an email each weekday morning at 6:55 right to your inbox. Just CLICK HERE to sign up.
