Granville Police Sgt. Patrick Winslow, right, explains some of the emergency equipment carried by police officers during a hands-on demonstration in the Granville police station parking lot Wednesday as part of a Granville Citizens Police Academy class. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
GRANVILLE – The first of four sessions of a Citizens Police Academy was held this week, with the three remaining sessions set for the next three Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. at Granville Town Hall.
Police Chief Jose Rivera said residents are still welcome to sign-up for the academy and can do so by calling him.
This is the sixth Citizen Police Academy Rivera has held since he became chief in 2006 and he said residents are often surprised at what the job entails, and how little officers make.
The Granville Police Department has nine officers, including Rivera, the only full-time member of the department.
“Because of the way the budget works, the most an officer can work is about six hours a week,” said Rivera.
In addition to few hours, the rate of pay is less than other area departments at $17 per hour.
“It used to be only $12 so we have had an increase,” he noted.
Rivera told academy participants this past week that after deductions and the cost of traveling to work, many of the town’s police officers only take home about $9 per hour. However, it does not deter them from doing their best for residents.
“They want to do their job and I try to make it a positive experience for them to be here,” said Rivera.
Even though Granville is a small town, Rivera said the $116,000 police budget – which includes all salaries – is stretched.
“It is a real challenge,” Rivera said. “We have a volunteer fire department and folks always ask why we can’t have a volunteer police department, but the officers are already almost volunteering some of their time and there is a real need for law enforcement here.”
Rivera said it is “extremely challenging to make it all work,” especially because the department has to meet all state requirements.
“Despite our small size we are still responsible to comply with all state regulations required of any police department,” he said.
The Citizens Police Academy covers many aspects of the department, including criminal law and procedures, use of force policies, a review of firearms laws, a demonstration of tasers, and more.
“We will even be doing some roleplaying with participants,” said Rivera, who gave full tours of police vehicles this week.
The Granville Citizens Police Academy is open to all, with preference given to residents. For information, contact visit Town Hall or email [email protected].
