The Sandy Springs Police Department July 1 graduated its first Hispanic Citizens Police Academy.

Two-year-old Matthew Rodriquez and his mother Mauro Rodriquez clap for the graduates. Mauro was a graduate of the Hispanic Citizens Police Academy.

“This program started because the department wanted to build a better relationship with the Hispanic community,” said Officer Elizardo Rodriguez Jr. at the graduation ceremony held at City Hall.
The seven-week program that began May 6 taught civilians about police operations with courses in Spanish. Topics included crime scene and gang investigations, crime analysis, canine patrol and SWAT team responses. Participants toured the city’s 911 call center and practiced shooting techniques on the firearms simulator.

Police Chief Terry Sult said he hoped academy graduates would “help improve the quality of life in this area.”

For more information, contact Officer Rodriguez at (404) 394-0226.