Making Plans for an Exceptional Year

BY JESSE EVANS

The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity for the Acworth Police Department (APD). I really couldn’t have picked a better time to be sworn in as chief of police. Before serving as chief, I was already uniquely familiar with the department through my work as a prosecutor for Cobb and Paulding counties, and I knew APD’s outstanding reputation in the local law enforcement community had been well-earned. However, it wasn’t until I became chief that I realized my high opinion didn’t even scratch the surface. While APD is a well-oiled machine overall, it’s clear all the various divisions that make up the whole are operating at the highest levels individually as well. After officially spending a few months as part of the team, I remain incredibly impressed with the staff and operations, and I am excited for the opportunity to lead APD to the next level.

We have many plans in place for an exceptional 2023, including our 23rd annual Citizens Police Academy (CPA). The CPA has been one of the department’s premier outreach programs for more than two decades. Through the years, I have had the pleasure of participating by teaching the class on courts and constitutional law. Now, I am looking forward to being even more involved in this outstanding program and watching our CPA class grow and learn throughout the intensive hands-on 12-week course. Participants will have the chance to learn about the various units within the department, including uniform patrol, the criminal investigations division and special operations. They also will have the opportunity to participate in firearms training, utilize our use-offorce simulator, experience a ride-along with a patrol officer and test their skills in various role-playing scenarios. Classes will take place at the police department 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays. Registration is available at acworthpolice.org, and seats are limited, so don’t wait to submit your application.

In addition to the Citizens Police Academy, please mark your calendars for the upcoming Polar Plunge on Feb. 25. The plunge is the largest fundraiser benefiting the Special Olympics, and many states across the nation participate in this annual event through the efforts of their Law Enforcement Torch Run program. Proceeds help provide free year-round sports training and competition for the Special Olympics of Georgia’s 26,620 athletes. This year, the Acworth Police Department has raised more than $15,000 for this very worthy cause. If you would like to lend your support, please come out and join us at Cauble Park on Feb. 25 or consider donating to our team online by visiting www.classy.org/team/461467.

This is going to be an amazing year for our community and your police department. To receive the latest updates and to stay connected, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Chief Jesse Evans has served more than 20 years as a prosecutor and law enforcement professional. He is a native of Acworth and knows there is no better place to live, work and play.