Talk of defunding law enforcement has become prevalent across America in recent years — but no such words have been heard in Mount Airy, including from its latest Citizens Police Academy graduates.
“It makes me cringe when I see anything on the news about defunding or underfunding police officers,” said Walter Lassiter, one of the 2024 Citizens Police Academy’s 19 graduates who were recognized last Thursday night.
“We need to pay them more,” added Lassiter, who was speaking during a meeting of the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners.
He got the opportunity along with the other participants to discuss their experiences with the program that includes classes providing a behind-the-scenes look at city law enforcement operations.
The Citizens Police Academy met for a series of two-hour sessions held on Monday nights, which began in January and recently concluded.
Lassiter and others who spoke said the program gave them eye-opening insights into — and a deep appreciation for — the dedication, versatility and extensive training exhibited by members of the city force on a daily basis.
“I would trust my life to all the people on the force here any day of the week,” said another Citizens Police Academy graduate, Jason Arispe.
The academy typically covers patrol techniques, crime prevention, narcotics, community policing and others.
“This has been awesome,” graduate Amy Quesinberry said when her turn came to comment.
Everyone seemed to agree that ride-alongs on actual patrols which class members got the chance to do were the highlight of the program.
“We try to lay the foundation,” Police Chief Dale Watson said of readying class members for that, but which can include unexpected events for which there is no way to prepare.
“When they get out there with our officers, they see what it’s all about.”
Graduate Emily Mauck was impressed by “the many, many hats” Mount Airy Police Department officers wear, which can include patrolling, detective work and more.
“They just don’t do one thing.”
Quesinberry mentioned the work of personnel such as dispatchers who manage to stay calm during intense situations.
“I couldn’t do it,” she admitted.
Fellow class member Calvin Vaughn referred to the human aspects of law enforcement work.
“These men and women put their lives in danger every day to make Mount Airy a safer place,” Vaughn said, which is coupled with the mental stress on officers and their families.
Bridging a gap
With its Class of 2024, the Citizens Police Academy has completed 21 annual sessions, according to Watson, who joined other department members Thursday night in presenting materials including plaques and shoulder patches to graduates.
To date, 461 local residents have completed the program, said Watson, who acknowledged that some have been enrolled more than once. “We feel that’s an amazing number.”
The police praised the dedication students showed in devoting the time and effort to participate, saying the Citizens Police Academy also represents a big commitment from the officers involved in the classes.
“We feel it’s an investment that is much-needed,” Watson said, calling it “a labor of love.”
Along with the educational aspect, the Citizens Police Academy helps develop a rapport with residents the chief says will span generations.
“It builds those crossroads, it builds those relationships with our community,” said Watson, who directly addressed those in the crowd at one point Thursday night:
“We’re your department.”
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