2015 Writers’ Police Academy: An Event You’ll Not Want To Miss!!

2015 WPA an event

 

Denene and I spent the past few days exploring the brand new and totally modern law enforcement training center at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wi., which is also the new home for the Writers’ Police Academy.

As soon as we arrived it was immediately apparent that the place is second to no other, and we’re extremely pleased for the opportunity to introduce writers to all the academy has to offer.

As you can see in the top image and the one blow this paragraph, the front lobby area is more like that of a nice hotel than of a police academy. And, believe me, pictures do it no justice.

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The place is spectacular, and the staff there is welcoming us with open arms. So be very excited, because WPA attendees will have opportunities never before offered to them.

So, let’s do a bit more exploring, starting with the jail training area.

Here, as the arresting officer(s), you will arrest and book (the actual process) the person you arrest.

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Processing/booking area

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Bench in the booking area. Notice the ring where one end of the handcuffs are attached to prevent escape and/or violence

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Holding cells

Handcuffing, defensive tactics, and arrest tactics/techniques take place in the mat room. Those who participate will be suited up and actually perform various techniques. When we say hands-on we really mean it. There’s no better way to understand the difficulties associated with arresting and handcuffing suspects unless you actually experience it first-hand. And, of course, Mr. Green Jeans and his cohorts will be available to assist, if needed.

*Remember, you can do as much or as little as you like at the WPA. Watching or participating are both fantastic learning experiences.

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This year, for the first time ever, we’re offering time on various firing ranges. There are two indoor ranges as well as semi-outdoor ranges. Rifles (Ar-15’s) and pistols will be the weapons available for your use. Believe me, this is not like going to your local ammo shop. This is actual police training. We may even bring patrol cars inside for added realism.

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One of the two indoor ranges where shooters fire from 25 yards or closer

Seating and study areas are throughout the facility.

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I mentioned the firefighting aspect of the WPA in an earlier post, and we’ve offered some limited fire training in the past, but I do want to point out that this year we’re going all out. So expect a lot of action, excitement, and, of course, a whole lot of fire…and firefighters doing what they do best. I cannot begin to stress how cool these sessions are going to be. You’ll definitely want to bring your cameras.

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Mobile storage for turnout gear

And there’s the village—bank, hotel, a bar, city streets, and more.

Remember the building searches we’ve offered in the past? And they were exciting, right? Well, be prepared to be blown away this year. This is incredible. Hint – NO plastic guns this time, and you can expect some very loud bangs! Realism is the goal.

Okay, enough for now.

Registration opens in mid February. The date is August 20-23, 2015. Our event hotel is the Radisson Paper Valley, where we stayed while in town.

To give you a little background about the hotel, U.S. presidents have stayed there, and the teams who play the Green Bay Packers stay there while in town. In fact, we left yesterday and the Dallas Cowboys arrive later this week in advance of the big game in nearby Green Bay this weekend.

Again, I cannot stress enough just how over the top this event will be. Please sign up on the WPA website (bottom right) to receive news and updates. Follow my Facebook page, and this blog for photos, videos, and news about the event.

Space is limited for the 2015 Writers’ Police Academy. Spots to be filled on a first-come, first served basis. Hotel rooms are also limited. So sign up early!! Hotel details TBA very soon.

Don’t forget, registration sold out in 6 short hours last year. We expect no less this time.

So…I hope to see you there.