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Sign up for police academy

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: October 21, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - When Brenda Breeden first read the announcement about the all-day Citizens Police Academy she shrugged it off.

"I thought to myself I'd never be able to sit through the day-long program," she said. "But on the other hand, because my brother is in law enforcement, I've always been interested in police work."

The bottom line is she enrolled in the police department's spring program and found she couldn't get enough of what the day had to offer.

She encourages all who can to sign up for the Nov. 7 program that runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the city's public works building. She said it will give people the opportunity to learn about what goes on behind the scenes and will provide them with an interactive and enlightening look at the officers' various roles.

The free program, funded by money collected by selling criminals' contraband, is open to Temple Terrace residents 18 and older. Each participant receives a T-shirt, a hat and is served snacks and a catered lunch. At the culmination of the academy everyone goes home with a group photo and a diploma.

"It was just so informative and it made you feel so good about our police department," said Breeden, a retiree and longtime resident of the Temple Terrace. "I can't speak highly enough about it."

She even admitted to being somewhat disappointed the day passed by so quickly.

"They do a bang-up presentation, and it just gives you a really good perspective," said the former Greco Middle media specialist.

She further described the program as "action packed" with information about traffic enforcement, the 911 dispatch center, the narcotics division, marine law, canine use and crime scene investigations. She even had the opportunity to fire a gun during a simulated firearms demonstration.

"It's an opportunity for us to share in a way you can't normally share and to build relationships," said Police Chief Ken Albano. "I think it gives them participants a unique perspective in what we do."

For information and to register, contact officer Karen Walter at (813) 506-6551 or kwalter@templeterrace.com.

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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