Belvidere Citizen’s Police Academy has begun training volunteers

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Daily Republican
Officer Tim Blankenship discussed “A Day in the Life of a Police Officer” to introduce the volunteers at the Police Citizens’ Academy to the BPD.

By Anne Eickstadt

Editor

The Belvidere Police Dept. has held training sessions for citizens who are willing to donate their time to volunteering with the police and helping out during events. The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPs) are easy to spot during Heritage Days, the Boone County Fair, parades, and other events. They have put in nearly 2000 hours of assistance to the police, saving approximately $83,000 in police overtime hours.

The current 10-week session began at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the Public Safety Building. While Deputy Chief Wallace usually leads the first class, he was required to be at a meeting across town and Officer Tim Blankenship took charge.

Officer Blankenship has been with the BPD for 18 years. He introduced the volunteers to a police officer’s equipment. He started with the equipment belt we all see police officers wearing. The belt holds a couple pairs (or more) of handcuffs, an expandable baton, his police radio, and gun. Soon, a Taser will be added to this equipment. The Police Dept. has the Tasers they are only waiting for training before they are handed out to officers.

Police also carry equipment in their car, which needs to be ready to go before their shift starts. In the car is a shield in case of

For complete article, pick up the Feb. 14 Belvidere Daily Republican.