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Post by Ximena Caraballo
Miramar Police Academy: My Amazing Experience
June 14, 2018, Miramar, FL- I never thought that working at the Police Department could be so amazing, until I had the opportunity to walk through the door and take the Free 14-week Miramar Citizen’s Police Academy.
A few months ago, United International College gave me the opportunity to take the Police Academy course. The registration process was quite simple. I filled out a form with my personal data, my ID and I submitted the application. The Police Department of Miramar ran a background check on me and accepted me to enroll in the course. I can say that today I am extremely grateful and satisfied to have shared 14 weeks with a group of professionals dedicated to serve the community.
On my first day of class, I arrived at the Police Department building and I was very nervous. I was entering an unknown and imposing world. But, I must specify that the kindness started from the first “Hello”. The front desk officer asked me for my ID. After reviewing his list, he invited me to wait a moment, with a big smile, while someone was finding my information in their registrants’ list. A few minutes later, a lady, who has volunteered for more than 10 years in the Police Department, arrived. She welcomed me and then walked me to the elevator and to the classroom where I would take the course. There, we waited for my classmates who would be with me in this journey for the following 14 weeks.
At 7 o’clock at night, a very friendly officer invited us to sit down. The friendly officer was the boss. With a big smile and pretending we were lifelong friends, he introduced himself, “I am Chief Dexter M. Williams”. All his exposure was with incredible humility. After that, he went over the agenda. He also told us about Ms. Oona Hall, the Public Affairs Specialist, as our support and contact in the Police Department. In the following week, we met her. She was super friendly. She hosted us every Tuesday and also introduced to us all the officers and described their role in the Police Department.
During the 14 weeks, I learned many aspects behind the scenes of the Police Department, but the ones that particularly caught my attention were: Crime Scene Investigation (C.S.I), I was impressed by the care it requires to manipulate and analyze evidence; Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T,); strength, discipline and control; as well as how to behave in case of danger. In addition, I also learned that K9, (k-nine) is the canine brigade, which requires a lot of dedication in the training and care of dogs.
Moreover, I learned about Personal Defense such as how to identify a dangerous situation. Also, the First aid class was amazing and it serves to help infants, children and adults while the ambulance or someone certified arrives to the emergency scene. Another important aspect was Internet fraud. We learned to be alert to risks and identity theft, in social networks.
Finally, we celebrated an emotional, sublime and important graduation ceremony. I had the satisfaction of having shared with quality professionals who love their work and, above all, demonstrate their great vocation. For all this, once again, it was an incredible experience to participate in this course, and I would do it again if I could.