The Sandy Springs Police Department has begun accepting applications for its Citizens Police Academy which begins on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
The Sandy Springs Citizens Police Academy allows residents to participate in an up-close study of police operations in the city, a news release said. The nine-week course allows participants to get to know the people, understand the training, and offer insights and familiarity to the professionals who hit the streets daily to protect the community.
The SSPD Citizens Police Academy is open to anyone who works or lives in Sandy Springs, the release said
Classes will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Sandy Springs Police Department, 7840 Roswell Road Suite 301.
The academy will end on Nov. 12.
Anyone interested in participating should email Sgt. Stafford at mstafford@sandyspringsga.gov.
Police officers handing out Popsicles on Friday
The Sandy Springs Police K-9 Unit will take part in “Popsicles with the Police” on Friday at the Hollywood Feed Store in the Trader Joe’s shopping center.
Local residents can visit with the officers and watch how they interact and work with their K-9 partners from 1 to 3 p.m. at the store at 6235 Roswell Road.
Members of the police department will also hand out free Popsicles to help visitors stay cool in the summer heat.
DeSimone joins state Homeland Security Board
Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Sandy Springs Police Chief Kenneth DeSimone to the Georgia Homeland Security Board on July 15.
The agency coordinates the state’s preparedness, response and recovery efforts to disasters. As part of the Office of the Governor, it operates under the authority of the Emergency Management Act of 1981.
GEMA/HS works with local, state and federal governments, in partnership with the private sector and faith-based community, to prevent and respond to natural and man-made emergencies.
GEMA/HS employees are on 24-hour call statewide to assist local authorities when disaster strikes.
DeSimone has more than 35 years of law enforcement experience. He joined the SSPD in 2009. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 2014 following 32 years of continuous active and reserve service primarily in the Military Police. DeSimone is both an Afghanistan and Iraq War Veteran. He led police advisor teams in the Anbar, Najaf, and Helmand Provinces.
