2026 February 3rd-Ankeny Citizens Police Academy

How would you answer these three questions. Please consider doing so before you read these blog experiences over the next ten weeks. I guareente you will learn more about how your lived experiences, perceptions and other sensory related issues and thoughts shape your Officer persona conversations

This said, many of us can recall wanting to be an Officer or playing Cops and Robbers as children. The lights and sirens that announce their presence captivate us, or even having a favorite Officer at school, Officer Anderson, come and spark curiosity about the person positions and protective strength of the badge. Ideally, resonating especially if our family tree has generational lines of those who proudly don the uniform. Yet sadly in today's word their actions are sometimes viewed with suspicion or questionable intentions especially because of scenarios that have happened for those who deal and live with situational anxieties invisible disabilities and sensory health concerns no matter the person or the role.

As such, tonight, Administrative Liason Lisa Quick and I began our A-NOD journey, by invitation and selection of the Ankeny Police Department, to be able to Tour and interactively become aware, learn how to advocate regarding and then aid in the presenting of the information and experiences that we and our other 28 peers will learn in the next 10 weeks.

As such I have decided to blog what I and Lisa see hear and even validate what is being presented to us by the Ankeny Police Department Officers and Staff, allowed to experience and then to "become Community Citizen Ambassadors" that is if we would like to speak about what we learn to other community members.

This evening marked the beginning of the 27th year of the Ankeny Citizens Police Academy. We were greeted by Angie, whose infectious energy set the tone as she led us to our meeting room and answered every detail with enthusiasm. Our next introduction was to Mike Shrock, the City Manager of Ankeny, Iowa, who discussed the city's budget, the department's funding priorities, the criteria for determining these priorities, and the significance of his presentation, which followed that of the Mayor, who was unable to attend. We then met Chief Potts, who shared his initial aspiration to be a Radio/DJ announcer, but upon learning the pay was only $2.50 to $3.15 per session, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps as a Police Officer. He recounted his journey and reflections on becoming Ankeny's Chief of Police, beginning in 1999, with only 28 Officers and now as Chief he is that to 80 Officers. demonstrating a passionate energy and genuine care for his Officers, whom he considers brothers rather than just a team. After Chief Potts we heard from Lt. Bowerson, who then shared his reasons for wearing the uniform, emphasizing his commitment to serve and protect beyond his duties., and who specifically talked with us about the 16 weeks of training that those who begin at the Iowa Enforcement Academy commit to before the ongoing training at the Academy, hard on families, yet important training for all in the name of safety and support for all. all of which is required of 2400 hours annually to then voluntarily contining each individually, teamed and uniquely had so that Ankeny Police "can be more as a stated Depatment of Excellande, they are, and not just to the communities that they serve and protect, also to those brother Officers who may not have "the trainings of excellance that Ankeny receives" This all said, as part of our tour, he also provided insights alongside Sgt. McGraw, who joined us after participating in a state forensic case involving multiple cities. which they both mentioned, would be one of the interactive areas we would explore further in the coming weeks.

This said, next Tuesday, Lisa and I will be learning about Patrol Duties and Functions, Support Services Divisions, and Investigations, including search warrants, subpoenas, consent, exigent circumstances, and detective case work.

Why is this important? Primarily because many of our team members have loved ones who have either served on the Police Force, are currently serving, have retired and share their experiences, or act as consultants, and most importantly, because of their dedication. With this in mind, A-NOD aims to deepen our understanding and "shed light on the myths and gaps that can create barriers between Officers and Community Citizens." We may also advocate for Officers within our Communities based on what we learn. I have already inquired about the importance of mental health services for Officers and whether there are data sources that could "infer a percentage of those who may deal with situational anxieties, disabilities, or sensory health concerns," and I was able to comment on what was presented. I left feeling inspired, as this was a full circle moment for me; the Ankeny, Iowa Police Department was where the A-HA moment for A-NOD was conceived, and now I find myself "answering on some level "the dream of once thinking I wanted to become an Officer, even just a bit, to overcome my own 'intimidation persona'."

A win-win for all!