By George Slaughter
The first graduating class of the Katy Citizens Police Academy. Pictured on the front row, left to right, are Sandra Byrd, Marguerite Valli, Janet Corte, Stacy Painter, and Sherri Jones. On the back row, left to right, are Nam Huynh, Patrick Ramsey, Robert Nugent, Vence Salvato, Vincent Morille, Mike Atkinson, Larry Gay, Walter McDowell, and David Thelen – Katy Police Department photo
Watch a police drama on television or at the movie theatre, or read a police procedural novel, and it’s easy to imagine how officers do their jobs. Yet in many cases, it’s fair to say that dramatic license is involved to make a more compelling, entertaining story.
Yet with a new program offered by the Katy Police Department, citizens can see for themselves how things really work.
The police department’s Katy Citizens Police Academy graduated its first class last week. The academy is a 10-week course in which the class learns about how officers go about their jobs. In this way, the class gains an understanding of the pressures and issues that officers face every day.
Those wishing to enroll must complete and application form and undergo a security check somewhat similar to what Katy police officer applicants must undergo.
Officials have said there are plans to offer the academy again next year, though those plans have not yet been finalized.