Yuma Police Department gives citizens hands-on lesson on police force

The department continued its annual Citizens Academy by teaching participants about how they use force on those they arrest, even letting them test out some weapons - 13 On Your Side's Luis Lopez reports

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma Police Department continued its annual Citizens Academy this week.

The class educates participants on what it’s like to be a cop.

This week, officers are discussing different uses of force, a topic Sergeant Lori Franklin says is a vital part of the conversation.

“It’s very important for our general public to understand because of what’s been going on nationally over the last couple years with use of force and different levels of force that different states have used,” Franklin said.

Participants even got to handle some of the weapons officers use, like tasers, and even handguns.

Officers also talked about the laws they have to consider when using force.
Yuma visitor Dave Fleming was among those who participated, saying he learned how to better identify with officers.

“I think it’s a good way to become one on one with officers so that we, instead of looking at them in an adversary capacity, that they’re our friends, they’re here to help, they’re just like the rest of us, they’re just doing their job,” Fleming said.

The academy officially wraps up next week, but YPD says it's bringing the program back again next year.