Department promotes ‘Night Out,’ new Youth Academy
Benicia seventh and eighth graders will get a close view of law enforcement operations starting Monday, the first day of the inaugural Benicia Police Department Youth Academy, Chief Andrew Bidou said.
In addition, the department and other city officials and employees will participate in Benicia’s edition of National Night Out on Tuesday.
Bidou organized the five-day Youth Academy to give students a chance to meet and speak with law enforcement officers and to educate the students about department operations and law enforcement as a profession, Lt. Mike Greene said.
Response to the invitation to apply for slots in the academy was so strong that the department has 30 students with reservations for the next time the program is offered.
Sgt. Kenny Hart and School Resource Officers Sam Peterson and MarJonne Roberson will coordinate the program, and those completing the course will receive certificates, Greene said.
“Some of the topics covered during the week include Internet safety and cyber bullying, dangerous drugs, traffic safety, police radar, crime scene investigation, criminal law, police dispatch, police canines and an overview of the justice system,” Greene said.
But it won’t all be classroom lectures, he said.
“Students will participate in interactive scenarios in which they will apply what they have learned, including the processing of crime scenes, collecting fingerprints, DNA and interviewing witnesses and victims,” he said.
Students will get the opportunity to speak with many of the department’s employees who will be participating in some of the presentations made during the academy, Greene said.
“We’re very excited to offer this program to the youth in our community,” he said, “and our staff has put a lot of thought and effort into planning a fun, positive and interactive week for the students.”
Benicia’s National Night Out is an annual event that encourages Neighborhood Watch groups to have parties and other events in the areas where they’re established.
This year, the city is celebrating the night from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, when city officials and others will caravan to block party activities organized by Benicia’s 30-plus Neighborhood Watch groups.
“The event is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; (and) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships,” Greene said in an email.
In addition, the event is designed to send a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against scofflaws, he said.
“Along with (the) traditional display of outdoor lights and front porch vigils, neighborhoods are encouraged to celebrate by coming together to host outdoor potlucks, barbecues, ice cream socials and activities for the kids,” he said.
“We’re excited and always look forward to this event. It allows us an opportunity to meet with citizens in their neighborhoods to discuss a variety of topics,” said Patti Baron, Benicia police community service officer.
This year’s participating neighborhoods include the 400 block of Panorama Drive, upper and lower Cooper Drive at Byron and Bigler courts, Shannon Court, Buena Vista, the 400 block of East K Street and the 500 block of Vecino Drive.
Members of Benicia Police Department and Benicia Fire Department, City Council members and those from Benicia Emergency Response Team (BERT) will travel throughout the city to stop by the multiple block parties, Greene said.
Those interested in the National Night Out and the Neighborhood Watch Program, including how to organize a group in their part of the city, may contact Patti Baron at pbaron@ci.benicia.ca.us or call 707-746-4268.
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