BY SARAH STEPHENS
PHOTOS BY AMANDA PEVEY and SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Elmore County School Supt. Richard Dennis “Rode the Lightning” Thursday, volunteering to be Tased by a Millbrook Police Officer.
It was all in fun (for the onlookers) and just one part of the first week of the Millbrook Junior Police Academy that kicked off Monday and will hold graduation ceremonies Friday.
Prior to being Tased, Dennis said he thought he knew what he was in for. He was tased once before (voluntarily) but with an older model Taser. He learned that the more modern Tasers push a little more current, and this was a whole different ballgame, he said.
“I could not move at all,” Dennis said afterwards. “Were you holding me up?” He asked of the two officers that held his arms secure as he was on his knees when he was shot with the Taser.
When asked how it went afterwards, Dennis said with a laugh, “I am great now!”
Dennis assured the kids watching that being Tased is something they should NEVER hope to have happen to them and told them to avoid it by staying out of trouble.
Tasers include hooks that can be shot into a suspect who refuses to comply with officers or is considered a threat. The electrical current runs through the body for only a few seconds, but can enable officers to get control of a suspect before they harm themselves or others. There is also a way to “dry stun” a suspect with a push of the button and making contact with skin.
This “less than lethal” way of dealing with violent suspects was implemented last year by the Millbrook Police Department.
The annual Junior Police Academy is a favorite of kids and police officers alike and has been held for many years. Every day this week, the group has met at Millbrook Middle School where they get a hands on look at training required for officers, and some of the things they can deal with on any given day.
They experienced a simulated drunk driving experience, driving a golf cart with “Drunk Goggles.” They have learned about crime scene investigations, SWAT training, traffic stops, narcotics investigation and much more. Participants also have daily exercise and long runs.
Lt. Stephen Youngblood and Corporal Kristen Godwin oversaw the classroom education, but received a lot of assistance from a wide variety of officers and police officials throughout the week.
The new class will begin this coming Monday, with the same format. Who will be Tased next week? Stay tuned.
We will report on Friday’s graduation, as well as the new camp coming next week.
