PCT 4 Citizen's Constable Academy - Shoot/Don't Shoot
Constable Rowdy Hayden's Citizen’s Constable Academy is getting ready to wrap up its 4th class. And just like all the groups before them, they are going out with a bang…Several bangs actually.
First off - for those that are unfamiliar with the academy - it’s an 11-week program for citizens of the Montgomery County PCT 4 area to enjoy learning about the ins and outs of the Pct. 4 Constable’s Office as well as local law enforcement and government offices. The topics include…
Patrol
Civil Service
Livestock
Special Réponse Team (SRT)
Rescue
JP Court/Baliff
Reserve Deputies
Asset Forfeiture
Neighborhood Watch
Narcotics
K9
Crime Scene Practical
Surrounding Law Enforcement Agencies
And this week, the students participated in the “Shoot/Don’t Shoot” exercise. This particular part of the class puts the citizens in mock situations that police face daily. Participants are given simunition weapons that fire a hard soap-like projectile. Deputies pose as the players in the exercise and are carrying a handgun that fires only blanks or a fake knife or other weapon. The participant will have to choose if and when to shoot or don’t shoot.
Lt. Art Looza and Sgt. Eric McHugh of PCT 4’s SRT unit portrayed two of the actors in the situations. They, as well as the entire class, were led by Cpt. James Andrew and Sgt. Roger Dearing, both of which are highly seasoned training supervisors on loan from Klein ISD.
There were basically two simulated scenarios that offered multiple outcomes. The citizens had to approach a vehicle (traffic stop) in one case, and then diffuse a public threat outside of a business in the other.
While the shoot/don't shoot scenarios were taking place outside, citizens were being schooled in real-life CSI happenings by veteran Reserve Deputy Gene Barnett inside the courthouse. Not for the squeamish!
**Side Note** Earlier in the Academy, Deputy Barnett does a Q&A presentation on a shooting he was involved in (2011). It's tough but educational listening to him rehash all the emotions/actions on what was a very unfortunate day in Conroe. Original Story Below:
www.chron.com/news/h ouston-texas/article /Conroe-officer-who- lost-eye-in-sho
There was so much learned by everyone during the Shoot/Don’t Shoot exercise (including myself) on the possible dangerous situations that our deputies face every single day, and just how quick-thinking they have to be. Not to mention the scrutiny they are under for every action they take...Or don't take. And they carry that responsibility with pride. A few of the citizens shot the actor when they felt it necessary, and others (actually most) “died” before they even saw the shooter. Some cried, others laughed…But everyone learned, and that is the most important part of the evening in my opinion.
The citizens who participated in the class will graduate on May 9. Congratulations to them, and a huge thank you to PCT 4 for offering this experience.
If you'd like more information or you want to get on the waiting list for the next Citizen's Constable Academy, visit
www.mcco4.org/citize n-academy
By the way, the Academy will now be held once a year instead of twice...It will also be extended in length. This is to allow for more topics to be covered and greater time spent on each topic. This may narrow the availability of the class, so get enrolled ASAP. Class 05 will start in February of 2018.