Garner Police Department Annual Report - 2016 Published May 2017 | Page 8

The Citizens Police Academy offers an inside look at the Garner Police Department. Animal Control is assigned under the Com- munity Services Sergeant, and is responsible for investigating all animal bite cases, cruelty cases, and stray animal complaints. The Garner Police Department remains committed to using social media to engage our community and keep our followers updated on important information. During 2016 we notified followers of traffic-related incidents, crime alerts, news releases, and even gave Animal Control in Garner (2016 data) 980 78 126 88 8 Animal-related calls (the bulk of which are stray dogs and cats) Stray animals taken to shelter Animal cruelty cases investigated Animal bites out the location of speed enforcement/DWI checkpoints. We realize that social media plays an important part in staying connected with the community. In 2016, we tweeted information and updates to citizens 446 times. The Citizens’ Police Academy, a 10-week- long program, is 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 today. The goal of the Academy is to build relationships between officers and the community through better understanding of our jobs and functions. In 2016, the Academy had 28 graduates during two sessions. 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. The CAPT 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 GARNER POLICE DEPARTMENT 2016 ANNUAL REPORT