Students working in teams of two consider whether to inspect a body on the floor of a crime scene scenario, Thursday, July 23, at the Youth Citizens Police Academy. Bob Wieland/Murphy Monitor

There was a lot of noise and confusion at a crime scene. A manikin, bleeding badly from a head wound, lay on the floor near a bloody crowbar. Two women were shouting and fighting with each other. A man nearby was banging on a barbecue grill while another man was parked in a truck blaring loud music. What to do first?

The scenario, staged in the garage of the Murphy Police Department, was part of the crime scene exercise for members of the Youth Citizens Police Academy.

Working in teams of two, students attempted to gather information and secure the scene.

“He’s not dead!” a training officer yelled. “You’re not trained to treat him, but you can’t call the medics until those women are in handcuffs!”

One of the women who had been fighting, a Police Cadet playing the role, picked up the crowbar and began bashing the manikin. “That’s aggravated assault; tell her to drop the weapon!” the instructor barked.

In the debrief, an instructor said, “This scene is overwhelming … oh my God, this guy’s head is bashed in! But am I a medic? Do I know how to do surgery? I’m a police officer. I sure should have known how to put on handcuffs. I sure know how to give commands.”

The students nodded in agreement. 

“What would I need to do in order to me be able to focus and do what I need to do?” the instructor said. “Tell that one to quit banging on stuff. Tell him to turn his music off and the other one to sit down.”

The scenario was part of the Murphy Police Department’s free academy held in two, one-week courses starting July 20 and July 27 in conjunction with Murphy Fire-Rescue. 

Events included a helicopter landing and K-9 demonstration. Students learned basic laws, the use of force and how calls are received and dispatched. Hands-on training included traffic enforcement, clearing buildings, CPR/first aid and extrication of victims from traffic crashes.

During the course, students were issued equipment belts, handcuffs and non-functioning sidearms and were drilled in their use. They learned how to recognize dangerous drugs, search vehicles and survive high-risk traffic stops. 

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