I recently attended the 57th class of the Knoxville Police Department (KPD) Civilian Police Academy. This was a twelve week, one night per week class; with an additional Saturday Range Day. The course was hosted by Officer Adam Willson of KPD, who brought in guest instructors from the different divisions of KPD.
We went on a bus tour the second week that included a stop by the motor pool, where we saw, among other, more normal vehicles, an armored vehicle used by SWAT -
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SWAT Vehicle |
and a motorcycle acquired from the Marine Corps that runs on
JP-8 fuel, the fuel used by many military vehicles and aircraft.
One week, our instructor was from the Family Justice Center; another week the Knox County District Attorney supplied two prosecutors. We had a presentation on Homeland Security. We also learned about the Patrol Division's Activities.
We went to the 911 Center one evening. I believe it takes a special kind of person to work there, from the initial call screeners, to the dispatchers. They must be in communication with victims, officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel during high stress events. They must stay cool and calm while doing this.