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Border Patrol hosts Citizens Academy

Wed, Aug 16th 2017 04:45 pm
By Isabella Casilio
The Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station will have border patrol agents hosting a Citizens Academy in Niagara Falls beginning Thursday, Aug. 17, and continuing through Thursday, Sept. 21. Participants of the academy will meet from 6-9 p.m. every Thursday at the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station.
"It gives us a chance to interact in the community," said Kevin P. Radke, supervisory border patrol agent. "I think it's important for us as an agency to be involved in the community and have people know who we are and understand our responsibilities."
This program will provide members of the community an inside look into what operations occur when securing the border between the ports of entry in Niagara Falls. Throughout the course, the attendees will participate in interactive demonstrations such as defensive tactics, tracking and marine operations.
Participants will get to participate in a simulator, which will put them in situations where they will have to make decisions as if they were in a force encounter or other encounters. The attendees will also learn about line watch, which is prevention of illegal entry and smuggling of aliens across the border.
Boat patrol, tracking, technologies used, scope trucks and use of force policy will also be a part of this program.
"With us being a fairly large area that we cover, with very few agents on the northern border, the community could be a great involvement to learn what it is we are looking for, and they can be aware of something so they can call us," Radke said.
Participants will learn about Border Patrol's history, legal authority, mission, operations and partnerships. Attendees will receive approximately 15 hours of instruction, tours and hands-on training from agents.
Radke said past participants have gained better awareness of border patrol and what is done along the northern and southern borders.
This is a free program and all class materials are provided. Background checks are required for each participant. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older, or, if younger, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Applications are being accepted. Contact the Niagara Falls Border Patrol Station at 716-285-6444 or [email protected].

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