Sandy Springs citizens learn how cops think

Metro Atlanta

Sandy Springs citizens learn how cops think

Photos of twenty-five citizens participating in the first ever Sandy Springs Police Department Citizen's academy. The ten week Police 101-style course was taught by about 20 officers and commanders while others took students on ride-alongs in patrol cars. The first class graduates on March 30th.

Sandy Springs K-9 officer Mike DeWald sends Amos in search of drugs that DeWald hid in the classroom during the first ever Sandy Springs Police citizen's academy. Twenty-five students participated in the ten week course.

Sandy Springs Police K-9 dog Amos stuts around the classroom after receiving a reward for his efforts.

Sgt. Josh Emmett (right) talks about self defense techniques using a baton. About 20 officers and commanders led the weekly classes, while others took students on ride-alongs in patrol cars.

Emmett demonstrates a self defense tactic using a baton.

Michael Prolman (center) joins other students practicing self defense moves with their batons.

First grade teacher Katherine Drake says she has never hit anyone before.

Sgt. Josh Emmett briefs Melissa Paalanen, a department investigative aide, who volunteered to be shot with a taser.

Paalaen's jaw locks and she can't make a sound for the five-second taser duration as she was gently lowered to the ground by Roskind and Rose.

Lt. David Roskind makes sure Paalanen is okay while she recovers from a taser shot by Sgt. Josh Emmett.

One of two taser probes protrudes out of Paalanen's back as she recovers.

Student Darrell Gilbert (right) gets a closer looks as Emmett talks about the spent taser unit.

Lt. David Roskind demonstrates how heavy his belt is to students Jim Ferguson (left) and Gilbert. Members of the Police 101-style academy will graduate on March 30, 2009.

Student Nancy Ferguson tries on Roskind's belt. The retired advertising executive says she enrolled because she "wanted to know how cops think."

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Sandy Springs K-9 officer Mike DeWald sends Amos in search of drugs that DeWald hid in the classroom during the first ever Sandy Springs Police citizen's academy. Twenty-five students participated in the ten week course.

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