People are Tasered to Help Their Community

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Story Published: Jun 30, 2009 at 1:03 AM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

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WAPATO - What would you do to make your community safer? Would you get tasered? That's one of the things people in Wapato are volunteering for.

This week people in Wapato are learning about weapons. There seems to be a strong desire to learn how the police department works. To prove their dedication, some are even learning what it's like to be tasered.

The 12-week Citizens Academy is a free class put on by the Wapato Police Department so that people can learn what police do and why.

"They become more aware of their surrounding, and more in tune with their surroundings. If they see something suspicious they know what to look for and what type of information we need," explains Wapato Police Officer Rick Gutierrez.

Felicia Smiscon is in the academy. "I thought a little more information would help me in doing a good job where I live."

In past weeks, they brought in other departments to explain jurisdiction issues between tribal and Wapato police. In another, they talked about gangs. This time it's non-lethal weapons. "Maybe they have new techniques in how to protect ourselves," hopes Regina McConville. "We need a better community. We need a better environment for our kids. There's too much craziness out there," said Melissa Parrish.

Crazy as it seems, even Action News reporter Stacy Lilienthal took a tase for the team. Police say it's a visual way to see just how much some people in Wapato are willing to do, and learn, for a better community. In past Spanish academy classes, they had up to 40 people line up for it.

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