There was an eclectic assortment of groups in the basement of the East Lansing Police Department last week.
One group was officers. Another consisted of students and community members who want to learn about officers. The third group consisted of officers with four legs.
The department’s K-9 patrol visited the East Lansing Citizens’ Police Academy as one of the hands-on presentations the 11-week class participates in.
“We make them hunt that drug, that bomb, that person for his reward,” said East Lansing police Officer Chad Connelly while his Belgian malinois, Zeus, scoured the room. “He doesn’t care about the drugs. He just wants to play. If you want to be a good bad guy, carry a tennis ball.”
Each of East Lansing’s three imported K-9s have had extensive training in drug or bomb tracking - but at home they’re just pets. Academy students watched while the dogs attacked - and then as they slobbered and retrieved, begging for a hand to pet them.
Other hands-on demonstrations will involve “drunk goggles,” jail tours, ride-alongs and firearm simulations to help give students a behind-the-badge perspective.
Although the class, held Sept. 26 at 409 Park Lane, was supposed to close at 20 participants, the program’s coordinator, Sgt. Patricia Nowak, allowed three extra because of the program’s popularity.
“They were very interested,” she said after the group’s first meeting. “You know how it usually is when the class gets out and people run away. There were several people that still wanted to talk about the issues and the history.”
Positive reviews from the first term are echoing this time, as well.
Richard Hanna, president of the Pinecrest Neighborhood Association, said he joined the academy to help educate his friends and neighbors.
“I give it good grades,” Hanna said. “They’re very thoughtful about it. I used to work with police a lot, but I never wanted to be one. It’s a very good program.”
Criminal justice sophomore Lee Ehlers said he wants to work for a Detroit SWAT team - but until then, East Lansing will do.
“It’s actual practical stuff that I’m going to use, so it goes well with my classes,” he said. “It’s really good, really practical and real life.”
