Citizens Police Academy form alumni association
By Greg Rayburn \ Editor
Friday, December 14, 2007 10:59 AM CST
A group of Sherwood residents say they always want the Police Department and community to have open communication, avoid misunderstanding, and make sure the city’s law enforcement operation has what it needs to do its job. To that end, they have formed the Sherwood Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association.
Having operated most of this year with interim officers who helped get the group off the ground, elections were held for next year’s officers. It was also decided to expand membership eligibility to others besides those who had already completed the Police Department’s seven-week Citizens Police Academy.
R.D. Kinsey, who served during most of this 2007 as interim president, was elected Tuesday as the association’s president for 2008. Kinsey said the association is going to seek 501(c)3 non-profit status so donations will be tax deductible.
Police Chief Kel Nicholson told the group he is thrilled such an organization is starting up to support the Police Department.
“I never would have imagined this,” Nicholson said.
As members were preparing for their Christmas party in the chambers of Sherwood City Council, they also decided to allow anyone eligible to participate in the Sherwood Citizens Police Academy to have associate-member status if they wish to join. That means non-graduates of the program can become associate members. However, under the
approved bylaws, no one can be a voting member of the alumni association unless they have completed the academy.
Besides adopting bylaws and picking officers for 2008, another important task at the meeting was the city’s 2008 budget, which is currently before the City Council. At November’s council meeting, some council members questioned Nicholson about why his department had submitted requests for certain items, such as the hiring of six new officers.
Kinsey and other association members said they plan on attending the Dec. 17 City Council meeting to show support for the Police Department and its needs.
