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Sergeant invites council to Citizens Police Academy; council discusses having an officer at city meetings
Summary
Sergeant Josh McGeorge invited councilors to participate in the Pataskala Citizens Police Academy starting Sept. 24, and several council members discussed adding an on-site officer presence for meetings because of recent national incidents and local safety concerns.
Sergeant Josh McGeorge, the police department’s liaison to its alumni association, invited Pataskala council members to join the Pataskala Citizens Police Academy, a 10-week program starting Sept. 24 that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. McGeorge said the academy covers patrol operations, investigations, defensive tactics, community outreach and specialty demonstrations such as K-9 and DUI response, and he highlighted the alumni association’s role raising funds for the department’s Shop with a Cop program.
Why it matters: Council participation is intended to increase elected officials’ understanding of police operations and strengthen ties between the department and the community; McGeorge said Citizens Academy graduates have supported Shop with a Cop, which has helped more than 500 families during the holiday season.
Council safety discussion Following the invitation, several council members discussed the idea of having a police officer on-site during council meetings in addition to the chief, citing recent violent incidents nationally that raised concerns about security at public events. One council member told staff (Tim) to explore budgeting for an arrangement to have an officer present at meetings and at some city events — not necessarily seated in the chambers but available on-site or in the parking lot to ensure safety as people exit.
Quotes "It is an excellent way to gain insight into the challenges and responsibilities that our officers face," Sergeant Josh McGeorge said when inviting council participation in the Citizens Police Academy.
"I've asked Tim to look into at least having — and I'm hopeful council supports, within the budget — having an arrangement for us to have at least an officer besides the chief present for city meetings," a council member said, citing national incidents and a desire to maintain safety for officials and the public.
Ending: McGeorge provided contact information for the academy and said he had emailed invitations; council asked staff to explore the potential cost and logistics of adding an on-site officer for meetings and events and indicated the request would be considered in upcoming budgeting discussions.
