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Police tout Citizens Academy, $292,000 Serve Natchitoches grant to fund community programs
Summary
Police officials described a Serve Natchitoches grant of approximately $292,000 that funded a Citizens Academy (eight graduates), RAD self-defense classes, a senior patrol and a violent-crime task force led by Lt. Rudolph Glass.
City leaders and police described a Serve Natchitoches grant that funded a newly launched Citizens Academy and other community-engagement programs. The police chief told the council the grant totaled $292,000 and supports efforts intended to build trust, demonstrate police work and improve public safety.
Captain Billy Mazur, who coordinated the Citizens Academy, said the program gives residents “a real practical way of looking at how we perform as law enforcement” and that eight individuals graduated from the first cohort. Captain Mazur said instructors walked participants through training topics, range exercises and scenario work; he announced applications are open and a new class is planned to start September 1.
The police chief listed additional grant-funded components, including RAD — a free self-defense awareness program for females aged 16 and older — a senior patrol volunteer program coordinated by Captain Susan Johnson, and a violent-crime task force headed by Lieutenant Rudolph Glass to “interdict, disrupt any violence” and target repeat offenders. The chief said, “6% of our population cause 60% of our problems,” arguing focused enforcement and community engagement can reduce violence.
Councilmembers and the mayor praised the academy and encouraged expanding enrollment; the city plans outreach to recruit more participants for the next session.
