KPD Holds Ceremony For Citizens Police Academy Graduates

KPD holds ceremony for Citizens Police Academy graduates

Thirteen civilians graduated from the Kaua‘i Police Department’s fifth Citizens Police Academy class on Thursday evening, Aug. 31, in the courtyard of Ka Hale Maka‘i o Kaua‘i, Police Headquarters.

“We are very proud of these citizens who volunteered their personal time to learn more about the demands and challenges of police work, and the culture of law enforcement,” stated Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “We appreciate their ongoing dedication, and I look forward to seeing many more community relationships evolve through this valuable program.”

The 13 graduates were honored with a Certificate of Completion and a commemorative Chief’s coin, marking their accomplishment. During the ceremony, Chief Perry, Managing Director Wally Rezentes Jr., Police Commission Chair Mary Hertog and Deputy Police Chief Michael Contrades each recognized the group for their accomplishments.

“Police are not separate from the community; we are a part of it and they are a part of us,” said Deputy Chief Michael Contrades at the ceremony. “In order for us to safeguard the welfare of the community, we must work together and trust one another. Through our Citizen’s Police Academy, it is our sincerest desire to build trust, provide transparency and give members of the community an insight into actual police work.”

Charles Ryan, a graduate from the program, spoke on behalf of his fellow classmates, and Lt. Roderick Green was the emcee for the ceremony.

The Citizens Police Academy is an interactive program designed to educate the public about KPD policies and the criminal justice system. The 13-week program combines both classroom and field instruction, allowing participants to better understand the role of a police officer. All participants must attend at least 11 of the 13 courses in order to graduate from the academy.

The goals of KPD’s Citizens Police Academy are to build relationships, increase community involvement and reduce crime on the island.

“The Citizens Police Academy was an informative and enjoyable experience,” stated Justin Faford, who participated in the program and graduated on Thursday. “I recommend that anyone interested in learning more about the Kaua‘i Police Department apply for the next class when it becomes available.”

The academy’s next class has not yet been scheduled, however applications are continuously available at Ka Hale Maka‘i o Kaua‘i, Līhu‘e Headquarters located at 3990 Ka‘ana Street, Suite 200; or under the “Online Forms” section of the KPD website, www.kauai.gov/police.

Academy hopefuls must be Kaua‘i residents at least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license, who have never been convicted of a felony or domestic violence offense, had a DUI conviction in the past three years, or a petty misdemeanor conviction in the past five years.

While the program is modeled after a police academy, it is not intended to be a citizens patrol group or an offer of employment.

For more information on the Citizens Police Academy, visit www.kauai.gov/police or call Lt. Rod Green at 241-1907.

From Left to Right: Capt. Mark Ozaki; Justin Faford; Charles Ryan; Lt. Ken Cummings; Maile Murray; Deputy Chief Michael Contrades; Marta Miller Hulsman; Lt. Rod Green; Lynne Kobayashi; Sgt. Darla Nonaka; Amanda White; Police Chief Darryl Perry; Mark O’Day; Police Commissioner Mary Kay Hertog; Janet Nelsen; Charlee Abrams; Officer Mark Stulpe; Becky Stulpe; and Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce. (Missing from photo are graduates Kalia Kaui, Allan Parachini and Shawn Rabaino.)