The fiance of my wonderful assistant, Layna, is a bright, handsome, ambitious young man who just also happens to be one of the newest additions to the Olathe Police Department. 
After visiting with Joel, Layna's future hubby, a bit about his new job, I became overwhelmingly proud to work and specialize in this small suburb of Kansas City. Olathe is one of the midwest's, if not the country's, fasting growing suburbs. That may be great on the surface, but it also brings with it some problems, especially for our men in blue.
Olathe's police department takes a proactive, not reactive, position in the community. They also are one of the best police departments in the area as far as taking care of their own. They are very invovled in various charities and they offer a "Citizen's Police Academy"- something I didn't know about.
According to their website, The Citizen's Police Academy is an important facet of the Olathe Police Department's Community Policing Program and is designed to provide Citizens with firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day operations of a modern police department. The goal of the Academy is to improve the relationship between the community and its police officers by "personalizing" the department. The Academy achieves this goal through lectures, demonstrations and ride-a-longs with uniformed officers on patrol to give the participants a comprehensive insight into the functions of the police department.
The Academy is open to all Olathe Citizen's or anyone who owns or manages a business located in Olathe. The requirements include that an applicant be at least 18 years of age, have never been convicted of a felony crime and can make a solid commitment of their time to attend the Academy.
The Academy is a 9-week course that is normally offered every spring and fall at the Olathe Police Department, 501 E. Old 56 Highway.
Another great thing I didn't know is The Olathe Police Department is commited to a diverse police agency, representative of our community. In pursuing that goal we have recruited and encouraged women in policing. Police work combines good pay and benefits along with many diverse challenges.
Within the Olathe Police Department, women have filled various and important positions such as - Chief of Police, Patrol Sergeant, Detective, Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, Polygraph Examiner/Background Investigator, School Resource Officer, Tactical Officer, and Crime Prevention Officer.
On top of wonderful schools, great homes and friendly people, we can add an awesome Police Department to that! Thanks to all of those who have made to choice to put their lives on the live and "Serve and Protect"!!!
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