POLICE PROVIDE CITIZENS' CLASSES

Insight Given About Sheriff's Office

VERO BEACH -- Barbie Haas of Vero Beach said the home-safety tips she
learned at the 20th Indian River County Citizen's Police Academy last
fall are invaluable. Now, she volunteers every Wednesday and Friday
afternoon at the sheriff's substation in the Indian River Mall.

"I got an inside look at how well the sheriff's department operates
and have an appreciation of the dedicated staff," Haas said.

As an educator for 30 years, she said, when she retired, she "found it
difficult to quit my life" and enjoys giving something back to the
community. Among her other duties, she calls elderly shut-ins to see
that they are all right as part of the sheriff's We Care program.

"It keeps my mental, social and job skills sharp and keeps me young. I
get back more than I give," Haas said.

Another 15-week Citizen's Police Academy will begin Thursday morning
at the auditorium of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, 4055
41st Ave., Vero Beach. Sessions will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays.

Sheriff Roy Raymond will introduce the program, which will include
off-site tours of the county's correctional facility, 911 emergency
center, courthouse and special operations at the Vero Beach airport
hangar. Those who complete the program will earn three college credit
hours.

"There is no better way to fully understand the Sheriff's Office than
to enroll and participate in the citizen's academy," said Detective
Joe Flescher, spokesman for the Sheriff's Office.

He said presentations include how detectives and crime-scene
technicians do their work, special weapons used by the emergency-
response team, and a K-9 unit demonstration. "Training instructors
will talk about the extensive training that the deputies go through,"
Flescher said.

Students also may experience some of the "shoot, don't shoot"
scenarios that deputies go through during their training.

"There will also be a chance for a close-up view of the aviation unit
and the marine unit equipment and vessels," Flescher said.

The victim-assistance program will be discussed, and the drug unit
"will present an eye-opening view" of drugs in the county. He said
crime-prevention tips will be offered.

To register, call coordinator Jackie McCorkle at (772) 978-6421.