As an active member of my Neighborhood Watch, about a month or so ago I received an e-mail that contained information about the City of Erie Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. After giving it some thought and checking my calendar to ensure that I was available for the 11 sessions, I signed up.
Those who know me well might find my attendance at this 11-week seminar rather surprising, given that I have been a bit… um… shall we say… a bit critical of our police department in the past. But, on most topics, I’m usually able to see both sides of an issue, so I’m going into this adventure with an open mind.
February 11th was our first meeting and it was a general overview of the EPD. The seminar is spearheaded by Sgt. Stan Tuznik, who, as it happens, is a very good friend of a very good friend. Although we’ve had the same good friend in common for more years than I care to count, we’d never crossed paths, so it was nice to finally put a face with the name.
Also in attendance for our first meeting were Fred Rush (on behalf of the mayor), Chief Franklin, Lt. Kirk Werner, Inspector James DeDionisio, and Detective Mark Rosenthal of Erie Weed & Seed.
Sgt. Tuznik spoke for the majority of our first session, and I believe he will be the main presenter for the rest of the sessions, as well. This is a good thing, as Sgt. Tuznik, having a bit of a theater background, is quite entertaining and an excellent speaker.
Our first class consisted of learning a bit of history behind police departments in general, a hands-on with most of the equipment on Sgt. Tuznik’s utility belt (with the exception of his Glock), as well as some outdated equipment that belonged to Sgt. Tuznik’s father, who was also a member of the EPD.
Topics that will be covered in upcoming sessions will be patrol operations, administrative operations, the mayor’s office/city services, the D.A.’s office/county detectives, and the fire department.
According to the schedule we received, our next session will cover the Office of the Chief of Police. Stay tuned.
