our community and keep our followers updated on important information . Utilizing social media plays an important role in staying connected with the community . During 2017 we notified followers 495 times using Twitter and Facebook of traffic-related incidents , crime alerts , news releases , and even provided locations of speed enforcement / DWI checkpoints . We also utilized the social networking service NextDoor to communicate with various neighborhoods within Town . Follow us on Facebook @ GarnerPolice and Twitter @ GarnerPolice .
Citizen ’ s Police Academy
The Garner Police Department hosts a spring and fall Academy each year . These are two , 10-week programs that provide an opportunity for citizens to learn how our Police Department works , to meet officers who work in their community , and to learn more about what it means to be a police officer in Garner . The goal of the Academy is to build relationships between officers and the community through better understanding of our jobs and functions . In 2017 , the Academy had 23 graduates between the spring and fall sessions .
Applications for the Citizen ’ s Police Academy are available at garnerpd . org through the Citizens Police Academy link .
Citizens and Police Together ( CAPT )
Citizens and Police Together ( CAPT ) is a volunteer group composed of Citizens Police Academy graduates who are willing to volunteer their time to give back to their community . CAPT is a 501- ( c )( 3 ) organization that consists of 21 members to include : A President , Vice-President , Secretary , Treasurer , and volunteers . The CAPT team mission statement is , “ The goal of the Citizens and Police Together team is to partner with the officers and support personnel to provide extra assistance as needed , to be a positive influence , and to return a service to the citizens of Garner that will make a great community even greater .” CAPT aids with events such as : The Town ’ s July 3rd Celebration , National Night Out , Shop with a Cop , Eggstravaganza , Fireman ’ s Day , Child I . D . Stations , etc . CAPT raised over $ 3,000 through fundraisers and donations in 2017 .
If you are interested in becoming part of CAPT , please contact Sergeant Sophia Sandlin at ssandlin @ garnernc . gov or visit garnerpd . org and select the CAPT option .
The Garner Police Athletic / Activities League ( PAAL )
The Garner Police Athletic / Activities League ( PAAL ) is a youth crime prevention program that uses educational , athletic , and recreational activities to create trust and understanding between police officers and youth . It is based on the conviction that young people — if they are reached early enough — can develop strong positive attitudes toward police officers
Community Service
21
CAPT team volunteers
815 CAPT team volunteer hours
252 $ 3,005
Child identification kits complete
Total CAPT funds raised through fundraisers and donations
GARNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 2017 ANNUAL REPORT 9