By Martine Wolfe-Miller, PIO

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (July 8, 2009) - The Mount Pleasant Police Department recently held its Citizens Academy Graduation at Town Hall after 10 weeks of intensive classes. The graduates received their certification at the award ceremony in Council Chambers. They included Mariann Martaus, Kevin Kosco, Christopher Murphy, Roseanne Crawford, Dick Artale, Robert White, Michael and Cheryl McCrimmon, Joseph and Madeline Dunleavy, Jane Assey, Robert and Catherine Sturm, and Karen Evanosky.

“I would like to congratulate our new Citizens Police Academy graduates for their commitment to their community,” said Police Chief Harry Sewell. “The Mount Pleasant Police Department believes its service delivery must incorporate a shared responsibility with the community and motivate the strengths of neighborhoods. Critical to the success of this shared responsibility are well-informed citizens who have an awareness of the mission, resources, practices, and services of the department. We are proud of this new pool of graduates.”

The Mount Pleasant Citizen Police Academy (the third of its kind in South Carolina) provides a chance for the citizens of Mount Pleasant to understand the various aspects of the police department on a more personal level and to closely interact with the police force. A wide range of topics are discussed including, but not limited to, national accreditation, operations, uniform patrol, traffic services, and investigations.

“Community involvement is the most powerful, efficient, and practical force any local law enforcement agency has in the fight against crime,” said crime prevention officer Michael Meiner. “The department wants to encourage the citizens of the town to become active partners with their police department by working together to identify solutions and strategies to the challenges facing Mount Pleasant. More than just an educational opportunity for citizens, the academy has proven beneficial to the police department as well. Several graduates have become volunteers for the police department, good will ambassadors for the Town of Mount Pleasant, and promoters of the academy itself.”

Students meet once a week for a period of 10 weeks. Class size is limited to 20 students of at least 18 years of age who have successfully completed the application process. The classes take place at the Mount Pleasant Police Department, 100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant. The next Mount Pleasant Citizens Academy will resume on September 14, 2009. Anyone interested in enrolling in the Citizen Police Academy should contact crime prevention officer Michael Meiner at (843) 849-2779 or meiner@townofmountpleasant.com.