05/23/2013


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PROGRAMS
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The men and women of the Watertown Police Department work tirelessly in building partnerships with  community members, to provide a safe and secure environment for those who live, work and visit our city. The programs listed below allow officers to work hand in hand with community members and foster those partnerships. Please click on any of the programs shown in blue to learn more.  If you would like to take part in any of the programs listed below, please contact the Watertown Police Department at (605) 882-6210.
 
 
 
Camp Chance: This program is a three-day camp designed to help youth and to get them involved in a number of fun and educational activities  The focus of this program is to reduce violence, drug and alcohol abuse and negative behavior. Camp Chance increases self-esteem, communication, cooperation and teamwork.
 
Citizens' Police Academy:  An interactive program that focuses on educating citizens about the police department’s mission, function, practices, and processes. The Citizens’ Police Academy brings the police and the community close together in a setting that offers a sample of police training to each participant.  This Academy meets one evening each week for 13 weeks and is held each spring and fall.
 
Teen Police Academy:  A condensed version of the Citizens' Police Academy mentioned above.  This Academy is desinged for youth aged 13-18.  Young people that may be interested in a career in law enforcement get some hands-on experience with some of the tools and equipment used by officers.  The Teen Police Academy meets for one week each June.

 

Police Explorer Post 119:  The Explorer Program of the Boy Scouts of America provides young people with the solid information about the adult world they are preparing to enter. The program gives today's teenagers a chance to find out first hand about a wide variety of careers in special interests. 

 
Miss Click-It:  In her colorful costume, she delivers safety messages to children throughout the community.  Click the picture for more info aobut what Miss Click-It has to offer.
 
  
Safety Patrol:  The Watertown Police Department recently joined together with the Watertown School District to implement a nationally recognized program called “Safety Patrol” at three local elementary schools.  As part of this pilot program, a handful of 5th and 6th grade students at Roosevelt, Jefferson, and McKinley schools received special training to become members of the Safety Patrol. 
 
 
Block Parties: The police assist with Annual Block Party Program, both in the organizational stage and by attending each of the scheduled parties with either a patrol officer or a bike patrol officer. Officers attend the parties, visit and talk about safety tips.
Click here for more information about hosting a block party (EXTERNAL LINK)

Car Seat Program:  This is an ongoing program funded by the state of South Dakota. Its purpose it is put a youth safety car seat in every vehicle needing one. The department provides distribution and training for properly installing the seats. The department sets up clinics to check for the proper installation of vehicles with youth safety seats in them.


Torch Run: This program is the primary fundraiser for Special Olympics events. This event involves Law Enforcement from throughout the world involving themselves with various fundraisers and events to promote Special Olympics. The Torch Run in SD takes place over the week of May 15th. Watertown runners assist in running across the state during this week and raising funds through t-shirt sales.


Changing Directions: This program is an alternative offered to first time Juvenile offenders through the States Attorney’s office in lieu of a formal court appearance. The 90 day program offers counseling and better choice lessons to juveniles and their parent's. It also offers a chance for juveniles and parents to obtain information first hand from Law Enforcement.
 
Bicycle Safety Programs: Watertown police assist each year in the annual safety inspection and licensing of bikes at all of the grades school. This program checks the lights, reflectors, brakes and the general condition of the bikes. This information is sent home with the youth for the parents to make any needed repairs on the bikes. The Police Department has distributed bike helmets throughout the community in association with the Trial Lawyers Association. Watertown Bike Patrol has been involved in the community for the past two years and ride on bike paths, in the community, and at special events.


Watertown Healthy Youth Program: Officers serve on the various committees with this program. It is designed to promote positive interaction with the youth in the community. The Block Party is one of the programs set up by a committee with youth involvement as a goal. Problem areas are identified through a survey taken from the youth within the community and possible solutions are established and put into action by the committee. The committee is a cross section of educators, counselors, pastors, law enforcement and others concerned with the youth from the area.



Ride-along Program: The Watertown Police Department offers individuals who have a genuine interest in law enforcement the chance to experience it first hand by participating in our ride-along program. Anyone interested in participating may contact the Watertown Police Department for more information. Most applicants will be allowed to participate and after a brief orientation and signing a waiver of liability will be allowed to ride along for a designated time with a police officer. Click here to downlaod a ride-along application.


Internship program: The Watertown Police Department offers a criminal justice internship program of up to 6 credit hours. It is open to students pursuing a degree in criminal justice and are enrolled in an accredited college or university. Interns are afforded a variety of experiences as they work with and observe officers performing their daily duties. For more information please call the Watertown Police Department or email Captain Scott McMahon at smcmahon@watertownpd.com.


Adopt-A-School Program: The Watertown Police Department has implemented an “Adopt-A-School” program, where a patrol officer “adopts” a grade school and becomes a liaison between the students, teachers, and the Police Department. The officer spends time with the kids, getting to know them by having lunch on occasion with them, speaking to them, and addressing their question and concerns.