Mayor Bernard Carvalho, Jr. and Council Chair Jay Furfaro join Kaua'i Police Chief Darryl Perry and KPD leadership in congratulating the inaugural class of the Kaua'i Citizen's Police Academy. From L-R: Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades; Tad Miura; Brycen Campos; Mayor Carvalho; Bobby Thompson; Dustin Rivera; Theresa Stafford; Colin Jackson; Katherine Caoagas; David Thompson; Lt. Paul Applegate; Police Chief Darryl Perry; Sgt. Kalani Ke; Council Chair Furfaro. Missing: Royce Allianic, graduate.
By Staff Reports
(Kaua’i)– The Kaua’i Police Department held a graduation ceremony for the inaugural class of its Citizen’s Police Academy (CPA) Tuesday evening in the courtyard of Ka Hale Maka‘i o Kaua’i, Police Headquarters.
“We are grateful to these men and woman for sacrificing their personal time to gain a better understanding of the life of our police officers and the continued sacrifices they make,” said Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “Participants experienced just a snapshot of what is required, and it is our hope that programs such as this will help to create a better public understanding of those demands.”
Chief Perry honored the nine graduates with a Certificate of Completion and a commemorative Chief’s coin. During the ceremony, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho, Jr., County Council Chair Jay Furfaro, Police Commission Chair Ernest Kanekoa, Jr. and Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades each recognized the group for their accomplishment. Also in attendance were council members Kipukai Kualii, Nadine Nakamura, Mel Rapozo and Police Commissioner Charlie Iona.
“You now have a rare insight into the culture of law enforcement and the responsibility of our officers,” said Mayor Carvalho while addressing the graduates. “Your commitment to this program shows your desire to work together with our police department in creating a better, safer Kaua’i.”
In order to receive the Certificate of Completion, participants were required to attend at least 11 of 13 sessions over the course of two months. The courses combined both classroom and field instruction tailored to various aspects of law enforcement and criminal justice, including: firearms; crime scenes; domestic violence disputes; special units; and community policing.
Seats have already been filled for the next Citizen’s Police Academy beginning on Tuesday, September 25. However, registration is ongoing for upcoming classes, including the third class which is set to start in January of next year.
Applications for the academy are available at the Lîhu’e Headquarters located at 3990 Ka‘ana Street, Suite 200; or online at www.kauai.gov/police.
Academy hopefuls must be Kaua’i residents who are at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license, and have never been convicted of a felony, DUI, domestic violence offense or petty misdemeanor within the past five years.
The program is free for those who are accepted. Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
The Kaua’i Police Department reminds the public that while the Citizen’s Police Academy is modeled after a police academy, it is not intended to be a citizen’s patrol group or an offer of employment.
“The Citizen’s Police Academy is one part of an ongoing effort to bring greater transparency to the police department,” said Deputy Chief Contrades. “And ultimately build a stronger relationship with our community.”
For more information on the Citizen’s Police Academy, including a course schedule, visit www.kauai.gov/police or call Lt. Paul Applegate at 241-1606.