The Shadow
The area’s new Advanced Citizen Police Academy is getting into full swing.
The first session of the academy was held Thursday, November 12 and was hosted by the Covington Police Department at city hall in downtown Covington.
During the session, the participants were introduced to laws that govern driving while intoxicated and learned, demonstrated and participated in standardized field sobriety testing.
Participants also got to try out a simulated drunk-driving exercise, which involves an obstacle course that each person must navigate while driving a golf course and wearing special goggles that are designed to give the wearer the feeling of driving while being intoxicated with a .12 blood alcohol level.
The course was set up by Sgt. Tony Smallwood, Officer Tommy Deam and Animal Control Officer Delbert Smith of the Covington Police Department.
“Several cones were hit and ran over,” Covington Police First Sergeant Roger Dawson said. “Participants now understand how it feels to be under the influence while operating a motor vehicle.”
The lecture portion of that evening’s program was presented by Cpl. Chris Smith and Officer Juan Roldan of the Covington Police Department, and Brad Hodge, chief of the Iron Gate Police Department.
“The participants truly enjoy this class and look forward to the next class, which will be held at the Clifton Forge Police Department’s firing range,” Dawson said.
The program was opened by Covington Police Chief J.B. Broughman. The meal was donated by Michael’s Pizza and drinks were donated by Pepsi.
