NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 1997

SECOND CLASS TO GRADUATE FROM CARY’S CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY

CARY -- Seventeen "students" will graduate tomorrow from the Town of Cary’s second Citizen Police Academy. The graduation ceremony, to be held at 6:30 p.m. in Town Council Chambers, will feature Cary Mayor Koka Booth as well as Peggy Schaeffer of the North Carolina Justice Academy.

"This program is a vital part of the Police Department’s ongoing effort to build and maintain strong ties with the community," said Cary Police Chief Dave Fortson. "Through the Citizen Police Academy, participants have the opportunity to experience first-hand the complex challenges faced by public safety professional each day."

The class, which began in early September, met for three hours each Tuesday evening, covering such topics as communications, traffic control, records, criminal law, and animal control. Students were able to ride with officers on patrol, and on one occasion the group also visited the firing range at Harris Nuclear Plant. The type of people who participated in the Academy varied from housewives to RTP executives.

Cary began offering its Citizen Police Academy this past spring and plans to hold another course in the spring of 1998. Other communities having a similar program include Greensboro and Durham.

PRIMARY CONTACTS: Lt. Pat Scaringelli, Cary Police, 460-4919

Bill Coleman, Town Manager, 469-4002

Susan Moran, Public Information Officer, 460-4951

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