Citizens can learn how law enforcement is like
Being a law enforcement officer isn’t the same as on TV.
You can find out what it really is at the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Citizens’ Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA).
“This program is all about inviting the community in to see what we do,” GCSO Captain Frank Copeland said. “The majority of people do not understand what it is we do.”
Each year, GCSO offers the CLEA program as a way for people to learn what law enforcement is like.
Participants will observe various law enforcement activities one night a week for 14 weeks.
These include 911 calls, ride-alongs, investigations, jail tours and K-9 unit demonstrations.
When Copeland started in law enforcement, he had preconceived notions about it that didn’t match up with the reality.
On TV, the crime always gets solved in an hour, but in real life it’s not that simple.
He described the reality of public safety work as “long periods of boredom punctuated by stark terror.”
“It can be going along through your mundane kind of a day. And then the next thing you know, some horrible thing has happened. And then you go right back to the mundane thing,” he said.
GCSO answers more calls each year as Gilmer’s population increases.
“Our hope is that everyone who attends the course will have a complete understanding of how we do business,” Copeland said.
Any person who lives, works or owns a business in Gilmer County who can pass a criminal history check can apply.
Applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, and there will likely be room for about 15 applicants.
Applicants will see confidential information during their work. If they release this information, they will face legal consequences.
Those interested should contact Lieutenant George Ellis at 706-515-2654 or email him at George.ellis@gilmersheriffga.gov.