The Albert Lea Police Department recently hosted its first Spanish-speaking Citizens Police Academy.

The course’s seven participants were given a guided tour of the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center, were taught the history of the Police Department and learned about officer field training, crime investigations, use of force and laws and ordinances over six weeks.

The class met on a biweekly basis. Luis Mejia and Leonel Lopez translated during the course.  Graduation was March 6. Graduates were then recognized March 13 at an Albert Lea City Council meeting.

The class began after officers met with members of the Hispanic community.

“With the atmosphere right now with immigration and stuff there was some apprehension, but we did have some people who wished to participate,” said Lt. Jeff Strom.

According to Strom, by reaching out to minority communities, police hope to ensure a welcoming environment.

“It’s very important that they don’t feel like they have to stay in the shadows,” he said. “If they are a victim of a crime and they are afraid to report that … the perpetrator of the crime may go and prey on someone else. If they are afraid to testify because of their potential immigration status, then they become a victim and they are basically trapped. They are still in the community, they are still productive members of the community. They are working and holding jobs. You don’t want any part of your community being a prey to someone else.”

Strom said two people who attended the first meeting with no intention of participating in the entire course graduated. He remembered participants taking pictures with police at the end of the course for their own memories.

Police hope to organize citizens academies for Karen and Sudanese communities and possibly offer an academy for teenagers. 

Strom said the class has given him a better connection with community members, and he cited a member of the class who called him to report a family issue. Strom then offered him advice.

“They get to meet the officers in a non-enforcement setting,” he said, “That’s why we have the citizens academy, so they can see officers in a different light.

“It’s already paying off.”

Strom will meet with Spanish community members on Friday, and he hopes to begin another Spanish-speaking Citizens Police Academy in January 2018.