Utah Highway Patrol outlines hands‑on Citizens Academy for local leaders with Bluff session planned Sept. 11

Trooper Brian Robinson of the Utah Highway Patrol told the Bluff Town Council on Aug. 5 that a multi‑agency Citizens Academy will offer local elected officials and civic leaders hands‑on law enforcement training across four weekly evening sessions.

Robinson said the program is one night per week for four weeks, with each night hosted by a different agency: Utah Highway Patrol, San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Blanding City Police Department and a final session focused on building‑ or school‑clearing scenarios. "Our first night is gonna be August 21. That will be in Monticello," Robinson said, adding that a Bluff‑area session is planned for Sept. 11 and that sessions will start at 6 p.m.

The trooper described practical exercises intended to simulate real calls: participants will observe and perform standardized field sobriety tests in a controlled setting, and will engage role‑playing scenarios to experience typical on‑duty decisionmaking. "It's hands on training and experience that that you would get to show you exactly what what we're doing on a daily basis," Robinson said. He asked participants to "be comfortable with being uncomfortable" and noted training can include encounters with intoxicated or agitated people and mental‑health crises.

Mayor Linda Sosa and town staff voiced support for the program and for outreach to other town departments. Robinson asked interested participants to provide email addresses (and phone numbers if comfortable) for RSVPs and updates; he said he will share contact information and presentation materials before leaving town.

Erin Nelson, the town manager, confirmed she will coordinate contact lists and follow up with Bluff Fire and other local officials about participation. Robinson said the program is intended to strengthen working relationships between law enforcement and local leaders, not to supplant training required for sworn officers.

The town will share date, location and RSVP information on its posted contacts once staff confirm venues and finalize invitations.