Guest post by David Kosub

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) hosts an immersive program called the Community Engagement Academy, for interested District residents to learn more about how policing works in the District. The next cohort begins in June, with applications open until March 10, 2019.

After participating in the fall of 2017, I wanted to share this opportunity with others in the community, as I felt it was a valuable experience. In my cohort, we had folks from quite diverse backgrounds, demographics, professions, ethos, and personal experiences with public safety and the police to share.

Though we each had our own personal stories and experiences, we came together as a group to hold very civil and level-headed discussions on incredibly sensitive topics. We were encouraged to ask questions and say what we think and feel, while always being respectful of others in the room—a skill that is sometimes forgotten by some at our own neighborhood meetings. It was great to listen to these discussions, contribute at times, and grow as a group together. 

As part of the program, you will learn how MPD recruits officers, see common policing scenarios and challenges, spotlight issues like the effect of implicit bias on the community, as well as discuss juvenile issues and youth investigations. MPD learns something too in the process when they hear our thoughts, feedback, and concerns regarding their practices.

Though these were eye-opening in and of themselves, the most memorable experiences came during the tours and meeting the people who work at MPD. We got to grill the Chief of Police directly (and yes, he said I made him feel old), be right there when a 9-1-1 operator fields a call, sit in a paddy wagon, interview cadets just starting their police career, explore the forensics lab, soar down the Potomac on a harbor patrol boat, meet the people who live and breathe police data, see hands-on training regarding the use of force, and marvel at the training of police dogs.

Their next kick-off event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27th, 2019, with the summer cohort launching in mid-June.