Advisory Commission agrees to take part in police academy’s community‑informed training

The Advisory Commission on Policing voted unanimously to participate in future sessions of the police academy’s community‑informed training module for new recruits.

Commissioner Francisco offered the motion that “the ACP agrees to participate in future…instances of this training for the new recruits,” and Commissioner John seconded the motion. The commission approved it by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Commissioners and staff said the initial session was slow to start but warmed up and produced useful exchanges. Susan (Staff member) told commissioners the academy organized a 40‑hour module that includes community meetings so recruits hear from residents and community groups.

Commissioners who attended described a mix of topics during the session: recruits asked about expectations for police work and some discussed whether they live in Montgomery County. Commissioner Francisco said he had asked recruits for a show of hands about county residency and that “the majority were residents of Montgomery County.” Commissioners suggested repeating the contact as a way to reduce community anxiety and to make the recruitment process more familiar to both sides.

Discussion vs. decision: the meeting contained both a substantive discussion of the academy interaction and a formal decision to accept future invitations. The formal action was the motion and unanimous vote to participate; recommendations about frequency and format of future sessions were left as direction for staff follow up.

What happens next: commissioners asked staff to confirm whether the academy can make the session a recurring part of training and to coordinate scheduling that minimizes overtime costs for the department. Susan said she would check with Dr. Rice, the academy’s civilian assistant director, about regularizing the invitation.

Speakers quoted in this story spoke during the ACP meeting and are listed in the article’s speaker roster.