Officer Baxter talks Citizens Police Academey

Do you have any interest in finding out just what it takes to a law enforcement officer? Or maybe you just want to know more about their procedures and protocols for certain situations?

Well you’re in luck because the Joplin Police Department is hosting a 14-week Citizens Police Academy that meets every Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“Some people think they know what goes on and how we do our jobs and some of them think that they can do better jobs,” Joplin officer Lacey Baxter said. “So, this is a time that they can come and actually see what is going on, see why we do the things that we do and why it looks bad sometimes but we’re actually doing good.

“We’re not gonna hide anything from you. We’re gonna tell you this is why we did this and because we can. And this is because this is the circumstance of it.”

Each class is at a different location. Participants must be 21 years old and pass a background check to enroll. There are opportunities for non-Joplin residents within the four-state area to participate. 

Minor, non-violent misdemeanor crimes are considered on a case-by-case basis for background checks, which aim to ensure security and prevent ulterior motives.

Applications can be submitted online via the police department website or in person at the department.