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South Gate Police graduate 10 residents from Citizens Academy
Summary
South Gate Police recognized 10 residents who completed a six-week Citizens Academy designed to familiarize community members with police operations, the department said during the March 11 council meeting.
South Gate Mayor Maria Davila and Police Chief Ira Kawi presented certificates of appreciation March 11 to 10 residents who completed the South Gate Police Department Citizens Academy.
The six-week course covers disaster preparedness, jail operations, K-9 and patrol operations, narcotics enforcement and internet crimes against children, Chief Ira Kawi told the City Council. “A strong police department must have the support of the community,” he said as he introduced the graduates.
Lieutenant Roman Amador, who oversaw the most recent academy, said the program met for two-hour sessions on Wednesday evenings and concluded with a three-hour firearms training simulator at Rio Hondo College. “They got to see some hands on experience with use of force, deadly force, the decisions that we make on a daily basis,” Amador said.
Participants who spoke at the meeting praised the course for giving them a clearer understanding of police responsibilities and of how residents can partner with officers. One graduate, Mary Anne Lovato, who said she has lived in South Gate 42 years, told the council the class “gave me a better perspective of what you guys do” and said she planned to share that perspective with neighbors.
The chief and Amador said the department plans to offer another Citizens Academy later this year, including a session conducted in Spanish. Council members and attendees congratulated the graduates before the meeting moved to other agenda items.
