To partner with Oakland communities in their Citizens Academies to provide the public a better understanding and appreciation of the inner workings and services of Oakland County. Conversely, Oakland County can learn the concerns and needs of the public.
I am currently one week into the White Lake Citizens Academy and already have a greater appreciation for the township and am eagerly awaiting the remaining classes.
Comments (2)
April 12, 2012 -- Thank you for your suggestion and comments.
Oakland County eGovernment
I like this idea but want to know what you are participating in and how one gets involved. I couldn't find anything online. In my area of northwest Oakland County we have a lot of people talking but no real community related sharing of ideas. Given the Governor's proclamation, it seems this is more important now than ever. Tell me more.
In response to Mr Johnston's request for more info: From the manual, "The (White Lake) Citizen's Academy is thirteen weeks of instruction designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Police Department, Fire Department and Township Office's personnel and policies. Officers, Firefighters and Township Board members assigned to that particular (class), conduct each instructional block. ...was created to provide enough information to the citizens that attend so that they may make informed judgements about the Police Department, Fire Department and Township activity. It is further hoped that the instruction will increase Police and Fire awareness whereas to dispel suspicions and misconceptions and to increase Police and Fire community rapport through this educative process. The departments, in turn, become more aware of the feelings and concerns of the community from the students' interaction and input."
Topics include: Police/Fire dept tours, Dispatch responsibilities and communication, Patrol Ops, DARE, Investigative procedures/evidence tech, firearm safety and shooting range participation, County Medical Examiner tour, County K9 and aviation patrols, Fire dept Ops/Investigations, ID theft, fire suppression techniques w/hands-on hose usage, vehicle/building extrication techniques w/hands=on jaws-of-life usage, Judical procedures w/views from a judge, a prosecuting atty and a defense atty.
So far, after 4 weeks, I can assure you this has not been a passive audience - questions, comments and answers abound every week. I am certain this is a learning experience for both sides! Other communities have similar programs but I am unaware of what their schedules are or contact info is. White Lake offers this class twice a year and with 25 openings it fills up fast. They normally announce it on the township website and in the local paper a few weeks before the start of classes. Hope this helps.