So this past Thursday night was graduation for my Citizen's Police Academy Class...So, I'm sorry to say that this is the last post for that series...no more videos of me shooting, riding in a car going really fast or being attacked by K-9 dogs....

We orchestrated a mystery dinner. Here are Sara & I...She's a "classy" call girl and I am Gambler-Double Down Dawn. Yes, there are feathers on the hat...I wouldn't have it any other way...

Here I am with Elvis...Like I really needed to type that...I know you know who Elvis is...

One of the dealers...

Some more characters...Lucy Legs, Ronald Trump & Iguana Trump...


The crime just happened and we're gathered around to get some evidence...


Here's the entertainment: Paul Piano...





Our two instructors opening a little token of our appreciation...

And the majority of the class...isn't it great that we were so randomly dressed for our final pic?

I am so glad that I took the opportunity to take this class. Getting to know my classmates and learning more about my local PD was so worth the while...


Check out the other posts regarding my Citizen's Police Class to see other exciting happenings:
CHiPs and almost a Dip
Getting Defensive?
Such a Tase
CSI: Mycity
Charlie's Angels Tryouts
FADD-Feather Against Drunk Driving
It's Official
That'll Leave a Mark...
Go Speed Racer...

Tonight in my citizen's police academy class the motorcycle officers did a presentation. They don't patrol on the highway...just in the city...but I don't think I'll ever get to use another CHiPs reference...so I did it while I could...

Here I am anxiously waiting for the officer to stop talking about the bike so I can ask if I can try it out...I kinda look like a kid waiting to talk to Santa...

So...when he said that I could I started to try to get on the motorcycle...but I was all wrong...I pulled such a rookie move...you are SUPPOSED to get on a motorcycle on the high side...here the officer explains that then I practically rip my jeans trying to get on the bike...I should have so stretched first...



I asked if I could turn on the lights and as you can see he let me...there were so many buttons, plus I couldn't really see in the dark so I improvised by making my own siren noise...the officer quickly showed me where that button was...

I was blinding everyone with the lights so off they go...

and off the bike, I go...I was getting off of it on purpose...but it is a good thing he was there because I would have probably totally wiped out...

I am so glad that I can bring smiles to my classmates' faces...see them in the background?? Only one other person got on the bike and he owns a Harley...and no, the officer didn't have to show him the "high side" or hold his hand as he got off of the motorcycle...

I'm kinda sad because my class is coming to a close...we only have 2 more weeks...

Check out the other posts regarding my Citizen's Police Class to see other exciting happenings:
Getting Defensive?
Such a Tase
CSI: Mycity
Charlie's Angels Tryouts
FADD-Feather Against Drunk Driving
It's Official
That'll Leave a Mark...
Go Speed Racer...

Last week in my citizen's police class we learned about defensive tactics...even though it may better be categorized as dance moves, because that is what it looked like when Sara and I practiced the "get away" moves...


So I need to warn you before you read any further...I have debated if I should even post them...scroll slowly people...you've been warned...


these pics are not very flattering....


I know it is difficult to see what I am doing...but I about to elbow that bag...



Sara really got into it: (She may have even yelled out like she was doing karate)...



Speaking of karate...ever seen Karate Kid?? Well, here is my sad interpretation of the crane...my stance prior to kicking the tar out of that bag...yes...I said tar...


Now it's Sara's turn...and you can defend off someone when you are wearing flip flops...it's all in the technique...


Now for the most unflattering pic EVER known to man...what is that all about? Do I think I am in some commercial...the long flowy hair reminds me of Fabio or something...see how I sacrifice looking dorky for you all to get a total experience?

So the best part of the class was when I practiced how to flip an attacker over my back...THIS IS NOT A TUTORIAL by any means ha...my hands are facing the wrong way anyway (thanks, Sara for so loudly pointing that out on the video)......but let's focus on the positive...I so totally fling this fella over my back onto the mat...so in case you were unsure about my techniques above, you definitely now know not to mess with me or my baggy, highwater red sweats...




Check out the other posts regarding my Citizen's Police Class to see other exciting happenings:
Such a Tase
CSI: Mycity
Charlie's Angels Tryouts
FADD-Feather Against Drunk Driving
It's Official
That'll Leave a Mark...
Go Speed Racer...

Tonight in my Citizen's Police Class we were educated on the taser. They gave us the option to ride the electric pony. I chose not to...however, the officer let me pull the trigger...what is up with my facial expressions...such a dork...I know...and I so called the two classmates out who were laughing at me in the background...also...notice that my roots are not an issue now...




Sara, however, was very brave...she was the first girl to take a jolt of the lightening bolt...of course...she had to sign the waiver first...it was only on for about 2 seconds...but she said it felt like much longer...

I asked if I could be the one to deploy the taser...but I couldn't so I had to settle as one of the "holder-uppers"...but I guess I thought she was going to go into some kind of flailing something or other the way I am bracing myself...You have to listen to the audio on this one...she does a couple of squeals...then the scream...



I do agree that Sara was brave and I wasn't in regards to the tasing...however...don't forget that I was attacked by the K9 dog...and she wasn't...I'm just sayin...I think we're even...

Here are some other brave souls who went on a power trip...of course...all of the smiles on everyone else could seem cruel...but we applauded after everyone went...




Check out the other posts regarding my Citizen's Police Class to see other exciting happenings:
CSI: Mycity
Charlie's Angels Tryouts
FADD-Feather Against Drunk Driving
It's Official
That'll Leave a Mark...
Go Speed Racer...

Ok...I do not intend to offend any CSI:Miami or Horatio lovers...but his actions with these really get on my nerves:

However, on occasion, I have watched the show...I personally prefer the original CSI...

But on to the interesting info regarding my class this week:

The forensics team presented all kinds of cool information...they talked about the different ways in which they obtain evidence to solve cases...they showed tons of pictures (most of which I couldn't look at)...and we got to practice lifting prints...

We're being shown the process of lifting prints: (look closely in this pic to see if you can locate a skeleton...)


I'm getting my groove....er...I mean...gloves on...

Now the dusting...




and lifting...
Now I'm comparing the prints that are on the card...(can we say roots? good thing I have a hair appointment on Tuesday...who doesn't want freshly dyed hair for Election Day???)

So intense...ok...my eyes really make it look like I'm about to fall asleep...maybe that's why Horatio always has those sunglasses and those looks...

Next week we get to learn some self defense maneuvers and have the taser used on us...It will be an electric evening!!!

Check out the other posts regarding my Citizen's Police Class:

Charlie's Angels Tryouts At the firing range with the SWAT Team and Bomb Squad...

FADD-Feather Against Drunk Driving Simulated drunk driving...

It's Official Uniforms are in!

That'll Leave a Mark... I get attacked by the K-9 Unit...there's video & bruising...

Go Speed Racer... Riding in the patrol cars on the practice driving track...

This week in the Citizen's Police Class we were given demonstrations by the Bomb Squad and the SWAT Team...So, we got to shoot guns!!! I have always wanted to learn how to shoot correctly and well...It has just been something that interests me...I don't plan on going hunting, but shooting at targets in a gun range is something I can definitely get addicted to...

Sara and I are bundled up and ready to learn some artillery skills...

Fact: In 2007, an estimated 12,998 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes

Fact: Three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lives

This week in my citizen's police class we learned about the sobriety tests that officers do in the field when they pull someone over and we also drove the SIDNE (Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience) car. This go cart like vehicle simulates what it would be like to drive intoxicated. There is a remote that changes how the cart responds to you driving. I have a couple pics and a video. The video is blurry, but you can at least see when the orange/red light changes to blue that is when I lose control of the vehicle. The police station uses this vehicle to educate teenagers regarding the horrific facts about drunk driving. You may want to check your local police station to see if a SIDNE vehicle is available for your teen's youth group, sports team or school. You can also check out your local Mother's Against Drunk Driving chapter to see what educational tools are available.

Tonight was the first night in my police academy class for us to wear our "official" polos...

I have been SO looking forward to tonight's citizen's police academy class...we learned about the K9 Unit. These dogs are amazing...Also in tonight's class Sara and I somehow are now Co-Leaders for the class...funny stuff...We also got our official shirts (with our names and a badge embroidered on them, I might add)...

I geared up to be attacked...This is kinda unlike me...I'm generally not very daring...but for some reason I was so pumped about doing this...

I was the first from my class to do the exercise. I had to get the decoy outfit on and that was quite hilarious how I had to "hop" into it...Apparently with all the laughter in the background, others thought this was funny too...I appreciated the officer's help, but if a guy is putting something on my feet, I'd prefer it not be plastic sacks...maybe a glass slipper...hmmm....





Here I am all geared up and practicing the stance the officers told me:

And here I'm getting specific directions and asking things like, "the dog isn't going to bite my nose of is he? Should I still have these plastic baggies on my feet? Should I take the pork chop out of my pocket? The dog does know the command for stop tearing off her arm, right?"

And I wait...but, be honest with me folks, does this outfit make my butt, legs and arms look big?

Here's what you've been waiting for...THE ATTACK! Yeah...glad the officer was there to hold me up...

After the dog clinched onto my fleshy tricep (aka my grandma-ish underarm flab) he made his way to my elbow...once he released I pulled my arm in and let him get the arm of the jacket...

Now since the attack is over I have to get out of the decoy suit to let the next person go...this was quite hi-larious also...but at least I had help...one officer holding my hands and the other taking off the pants...this taken out of context could be viewed as inappropriate...but I was ok with it...I did lose a shoe in the process...maybe I am Cinderella after all....hmm...

Here are three of us volunteers showing our bruises...honestly...there are bruises...but apparently by my grimacing look I'm the only one that thinks it kinda hurts...


Can't wait until next week!

Update: Here is my arm the next day...I told you I had a bruise...make that bruises...


Check out the other posts regarding my Citizen's Police Class to see other exciting happenings:
Who Dunnit???
CHiPs and almost a Dip
Getting Defensive?
Such a Tase
CSI: Mycity
Charlie's Angels Tryouts
FADD-Feather Against Drunk Driving
It's Official
Go Speed Racer...

This week in my Citizen's Police Academy class we were able to go to the track where the officers practice their driving skills...Sara and I sporting the required helmets:



We then were able to ride as the officers drove about 150 mph around the track...ok...it was really about 80ish...they then showed us how they safely end a pursuit: I am in the first car we had just robbed a bank...but we were caught...crime never pays children...you'll get caught...even if I have to citizen arrest you or bump your bumper in a high speed chase because I SO know how to now...