22 residents complete Citizen’s Academy

Twenty-two citizens received certificates April 18 after completing a 12-week class in law enforcement.

The 15th Laguna Beach Police Department Citizen Academy class graduated in a ceremony at Tivoli Terrace Restaurant.

Attending were family members of graduates and representatives from the Laguna Beach Police Department, including Chief of Police Michael Sellers.

The Citizen’s Academy is a three-month, nonstress course, which meets one night a week from 6-9:30 p.m.

The program is designed to provide community members with a better understanding of the police department and foster better communications between police and citizens.

The course is the first step for prospective police department volunteers, as well as those who want an introduction to police work as they contemplate future careers in law enforcement.

Classes include: investigations, traffic enforcement, accident investigation, DUI investigation, gangs, narcotics, neighborhood watch, crime prevention, crime scene investigation, police K-9 program, volunteer programs and a tour of Orange County Jail.

Tours of the police facility, patrol vehicles and equipment used by the department are also included.

Academy members are also given the chance to shoot at the police firing range and participate in mock scenarios.

Graduates of the 15th Citizen’s Academy Class are: Roy Anderson, Elisabeth Armentrout, Jeremy Collins, Jody Custer, Kristi Duplantis, Cindy Frazier, Gabrielle Friedman, Danny Garcia, Steve Hamm, Sue Horowitz, Benjamin Huerta, June Martucci, Judy McCollin, Susan Munson, Laura Parisi, Jan Pierini, Christina Pisarik, Kenny Quigley, Cindy Reeves, Barbara Salvini, Michael Salvini and Christopher Toy.

The next Citizen’s Academy will begin in September at a date to be determined. Anyone interested in attending the next class or who has questions regarding the Citizen’s Academy should contact Sgt. Darin Lenyi at (949) 497-0375 or e-mail dlenyi@lagunabeachcity.net.