Lt. Scott Erickson teaches a class on use of force policy to a group of Juneau residents during the Juneau Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy on Nov. 4, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Lt. Scott Erickson teaches a class on use of force policy to a group of Juneau residents during the Juneau Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy on Nov. 4, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Juneau residents get look at policing with Citizen’s Academy

A handful of Juneau residents are getting up close and learning some of the fine details of the job.

Many people might go their entire lives without interacting with the police of their town besides speeding tickets or bumping elbows at the supermarket.

For about a dozen Juneau residents, though, the Juneau Police Department is offering a closer look over an eight-week course.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to connect. Our mission statement is to build partnerships,” said Lt. Scott Erickson, who oversaw the course. “Our youngest (participant) was 18 years old. I think he’s interested because he has a desire to pursue a career in law enforcement. A couple of folks are a lot older and I think they’re interested in learning how their community works.”

[Remains of missing man located off Flume Trail]

The eight-week course covers topics from policies to special unit functions to things like how everyday patrolling works, Erickson said.

“Some of them are interested in how the laws work,” Erickson said. “When we did a search and seizure class a few weeks back, a lot of them were interested.”

The students seem to be generally enjoying the class, Erickson said.

“I’ve been really liking it. I’m learning a lot,” said Justin Gunderson, who was taking part in the class. “I wanted to learn more and show support for the police officers.”

For others, this class is a first step toward a possible future career in law enforcement.

Lt. Scott Erickson answers a question use of force policy as he instructs a group of Juneau residents during the Juneau Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy on Nov. 4, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

Lt. Scott Erickson answers a question use of force policy as he instructs a group of Juneau residents during the Juneau Police Department’s Citizen’s Academy on Nov. 4, 2021. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)

“I love it,” said Arnold Haube. “It’s been a dream of mine of being a police officer for a couple of years.”

Both students said that they’d enjoyed learning more about the policies and decision-making processes that police deal with every day.

“Just how each decision is thought out. They really think about how they take certain actions,” Gunderson said. “I really appreciate that they held this course. I’d recommend it to any citizen of Juneau.”

The course is also a way for police to interact with citizens in a relaxed and non-formal setting, Erickson said.

“It’s good for getting an outside perspective,” Erickson said. “It’s easy for us to to sit in here and think ‘that’s how everything is.’ A lot of times that’s not the case.”

JPD will likely arrange another Citizen’s Academy in the new year, Erickson said. The department is also restarting a cadet program that was last functional in the ‘90s, said Chief Ed Mercer. The cadet program, like Capital City Fire/Rescue’s own recently restarted cadet program, would allow youth to learn more about being a police officer and provide a pathway into entering service with the JPD.

“This is something I really feel that’s valuable for the community and the police,” Mercer said in an interview. “Our hope is to be as transparent as we possibly can, show why we do what we do, what our capabilities are.”

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Nov. 17

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A butter clam. Butter clams are found from the Aleutian Islands to the California coast. They are known to retain algal toxins longer than other species of shellfish. (Photo provided by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife)
Among butter clams, which pose toxin dangers to Alaska harvesters, size matters, study indicates

Higher concentrations found in bigger specimens, UAS researchers find of clams on beaches near Juneau.

An aerial view of people standing near destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene flooding on Oct. 8, 2024 in Bat Cave, North Carolina. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Members of U.S. Senate back disaster aid request amid increasing storm severity

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration’s request for nearly $100 billion in natural… Continue reading

Media members and other observers gather at the Alaska Division of Elections office on Wednesday evening as the results of all ballots, including ranked choice tabulations, were announced. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Ranked choice voting repeal fails by 0.2%, Begich defeats Peltola 51.3%-48.7% on final day of counting

Tally released Wednesday night remains unofficial until Nov. 30 certification.

Looking through the dining room and reception area to the front door. The table will be covered with holiday treats during the afternoon open house. The Stickley slide table, when several extensions are added, provides comfortable seating for 22 dinner guests. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Empire)
The Governor’s House: Welcoming Alaskans for more than 100 years

Mansion has seen many updates to please occupants, but piano bought with first funds still playable.

The language of Ballot Measure 2 appears on Alaska’s 2024 absentee ballots. The measure would repeal the states open primary and ranked choice voting system. (Andrew Kitchenman/Alaska Beacon)
Count tightens to 45-vote margin for repealing Alaska’s ranked choice system going into final day

State Division of Elections scheduled to conduct final tally at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The drive-through of the Mendenhall Valley branch of True North Federal Credit Union, seen on June 13, is where a man was laying down when he was fatally struck by a truck during the early morning hours of June 1. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police: Driver of CBJ truck not at fault in death of man struck in drive-through lane of bank

Victim laying on pavement during early-morning incident in June couldn’t be seen in time, JPD chief says.

Juneau Assembly members confer with city administrative leaders about details of a proposed resolution asking the state for more alcohol licenses during an Assembly meeting Monday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Petition seeking one-third expansion of alcohol-serving establishments gets Assembly OK

Request to state would allow 31 licensees in Juneau instead of 23; Assembly rejects increase to 43.

Noah Teshner (right) exhibits the physical impact military-grade flood barriers will have on properties with the help of other residents at a Juneau Assembly meeting on Monday night. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Locals protesting $8K payment for temporary flood barriers told rejection may endanger permanent fix

Feds providing barriers free, but more help in danger if locals won’t pay to install them, city manager says.

Most Read