That’s according to the officers who conducted the drunken-driving seminar last Wednesday as part of the 13th Ayer Citizens Police Academy.

The weekly seminars stretch through mid December for the class of 25 students.

Previously funded by a state grant, the program took a hiatus last year. But Academy Director and Ayer Police Sgt. John MacDonald said the program has continued thanks to a commitment by Ayer Police Chief William Murray.

The participants learn about police work. Seminars include presentations about motor vehicles stops, the use of force and defensive tactics, criminal investigations, and firearms demonstrations, to name a few topics.

Last Wednesday, the evening was devoted to Operating Under the Influence arrests. The audience peppered the officers with questions.

Is it dangerous to drive while fatigued, asked one man. Yes, said MacDonald, but the sentencing for drunken driving may automatically lead to a loss of license and/or imprisonment.

A woman asked if an open container charge could be attached if the alcohol is in the trunk. Not automatically, said Patrolman Richard Krasinskas, who said the beverage must be “within reach of the driver” to attach the charge.

“What if I ignore you?” asked another man, who pondered if a person provided a license and registration but otherwise refused to speak. “We try to engage you,” answered Krasinskas.

“If you open the window a crack, we’re going to know something is wrong and we’ll spend extra time on you,” answered MacDonald. “I wouldn’t advise it.”

Another person asked if breath-freshening sprays can cause a person to fail an alcohol breath test. “It’s a different kind of alcohol,” said Krasinskas. “The machine will only pick up the ethanol.”

Before testing a person’s blood alcohol count (BAC), MacDonald said the subject must not eat, burb, vomit or hiccup for 15 minutes before the test, otherwise the wait time must start anew. He recalled one woman squirreled away chewing gum in her mouth. “She had to spit it out and we restarted the 15 minute wait,” said MacDonald.

Some stops are silly. MacDonald recalled the man who offered his Vitamin World card instead of his license when stopped and exited his vehicle wearing one flip-flop.

But there were local stories of drunken-driving disasters.

One occurred on Harvard Road, which caused head injuries when the two occupants were ejected from the car. Each was airlifted by helicopter — one to a Boston hospital, the other to a Worcester hospital.

“There was very little time to find out what was going on,” recalled MacDonald. The first priority is the “preservation of human life” but when EMTs arrive, officers are left to “determine if criminal charges would be appropriate. In that case, it was unclear who was driving because both were ejected.

A Littleton Road accident seriously injured two female occupants when the driver passed out while driving and the convertible car in which there were riding “split in half” on impact. In both cases, the victims survived, said MacDonald.

A veteran of the overnight shift, MacDonald said multiple departments swarm the scene of such accidents. “In middle of the night, you rely on who you can get to come out,” said MacDonald. The surrounding departments are “always there for us and we rely on them.”

The class left the Police Department on Park Street and reconvened inside the massive garage at Lorden Oil on Fitchburg Road. Company President Ted Lorden offered the space to keep the class out of last Wednesday night’s rain.

Lorden and the students watched as the garage door rolled up and a black SUV and police cruiser rolled in — props for the evening’s presentation.

The evening’s three volunteer “actors” had downed several drinks each while under police supervision at the police station. The trio was transported to the scene and seated, one after the other, in the driver’s seat of the SUV for play-by-play OUI re-enactments.

Though funny to watch, the display was a sobering reminder of the dangers of drunken-driving. It soon became crystal clear that the volunteers experienced dulled senses due to the drinking outside of their typical comfort zones. Each said they’d never have attempted driving in their respective conditions.

Mary

Mary Shanahan, 24, is an ophthalmic technician. She bebopped to the stereo in the SUV as Krasinskas approached the window.

Shanahan flashed a broad smile, believing she’d aced the first test — reciting the alphabet. She ended with a grand flourish — on the letter “V.” Krasinskas asked Shanahan to exit the vehicle for a battery of field sobriety tests.

“How much have you had?” asked Krasinskas. “Lots,” answered Shanahan.

Each volunteer ate dinner before drinking. Shanahan had four rum and colas. She hollered, “Bam!” after successfully walking nine steps, in heel-to-toe fashion. But she bobbled halfway through holding one foot elevated for a 30 count.

Krasinskas pulled out a portable Breathalyzer device, “In no way will this affect your license.” Shanahan registered a.042 reading Blood Alcohol Count reading, prompting the “release” Shanahan with a “citation” for failing to stay within marked lanes.

Krasinskas said a BAC below .06 isn’t enough to prompt a drunken-driving charge. A BAC of 0.06 through 0.07 prompts a drunken-driving presumption when paired with failed field sobriety tests. But a BAC reading of at least .08 meets the Massachusetts drunken- driving limit and warrants immediate arrest.

Have a nice night,” said Krasinskas to Shanahan. Later Shanahan said she’d never have drunk that much, saying she was more of a “sipper” than a drinker.

Dena

“Notice the seat belt?” said Dena Brant, 41, to the audience. Brant is a postal carrier for the Ayer post office.

Detective Andrew Kularski made the “stop” of Brant’s car, asking why she “drove” over marked lanes. Brant answered, “that’s how the road curves.”

Brant claimed she had two beers. Actually, Brant consumed a six-pack of Heineken Beer, which she later said was well outside her typical two-beer limit.

As a postal carrier, Brant said she walks 13 miles a day so she felt ready for the sobriety tests. But she was put off by a request to remove her glasses before taking the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test (or HGN for short). As Kularski’s finger passed from left to right about a foot away from her face, Brant’s eyes jerked instead of following smoothly.

On heel-to-toe walking, Brant’s hands levitated away from the side of her body where they were supposed to remain during the test. She started giggling during a leg lift count to 30. “I failed.”

Brant blew into the Breathalyzer. Without revealing the results, Kularksi asked Brant to place her hands out to her sides with her palms up. A look of shock flashed over Brant’s face as Kularski slapped on cuffs. “You’re under arrest for operating under the influence,” said Kularski.

Later Brant said she felt out of control and would never have considered driving in her condition. “I thought that one beer was a DUI (Driving Under the Influence). I was surprised it took that much for me to be an OUI.” Brant blew exactly .08 BAC, the drunken-driving limit.

Alex

Alexandria “Alex” Verill was “hammered” said an audience member.

A West Virginia native, Verill works at Walmart in Lunenburg. She lives nearby as her identical twin sister, Martha Ridgeway, serves as an active member of the Air Force. They’re 34 years old.

Ridgeway stood in the audience and watched as officers flanked Verill to ensure she didn’t fall and hurt herself.

Glassy-eyed, Verill grinned from ear to ear. Detective Kellie Barhight noted that Verill was already leaning on the rear bumper of the vehicle to steady herself. Verill failed the gaze test.

“To be honest, because of the condition she’s already in, I probably wouldn’t have her do anything else,” said Barhight. “I’ve already made my decision that she’s under the influence of drugs, alcohol — something. But she should not be driving.”

Verill reacted by flashing a “thumbs-up” to the audience.

To prove the point, Barhight asked Verill to perform the heel-to-toe walking test. Verill buckled. The offices grabbed Verill to prevent a fall. On went the cuffs.

Verill drank six beers and blew a .086 BAC — over the legal limit. Verill said she felt “as high as a kite,” adding she never would have driven in that condition. “I’m not stupid.”

Standing nearby, Shanahan said she just wanted to take a nap. Barhight affectionately suggested, “If you see the drunks tomorrow, offer to buy them a cup of coffee.”

The presentation is a prime example of why Vivian Winchester of Ayer has enrolled in the Ayer Citizens Police Academy — for a seventh time. “I find the classes so interesting.”

EGYPTIANS ARE waiting to ascertain if ousted leader Mubarak appearsat his trial right now to face charges of graft and participation within the killing of 846 protesters throughout the uprising. Cairo’s Court Arrest come in session in the police academy, guarded by 8,000 troops.

Mr Mubarak (83) is anticpated to be flown towards the venue within an military helicopter in the hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh when they have been dwelling within the Very important personel wing since April. Based on Egyptian media, he’ll be limited within the pier inside a 30m iron cage. A mattress is going to be provided as needed.

Although his doctors have stated he isn’t good enough to become moved or stand trial, Egyptian minister for health Amr Helmy stated, “Mubarak’s . . . condition enables his transfer to Cairo.” Medical staff is going to be available for his care.

Standing trial alongside the first kind leader is going to be his sons, Alaa and Gamal, former interior minister Habib al-Adly, and six senior cops. They’ll be driven inside a convoy of armoured automobiles from Tora prison towards the court.

The outlet session will probably be brief and procedural. Mr Mubarak’s defence lawyers are required to demand an adjournment to allow them to prepare their situation. However, trial judge Ahmad Refaat has stated a legal court will stay in session and listen to the situation until came to the conclusion. A minimum of 600 security-vetted lawyers, relatives of sufferers, and journalists, will attend the trial which is broadcast survive Egyptian condition television.

Mr Mubarak and also the other accused are billed with participation within the killing of 846 protesters, and graft, particularly within the purchase of 5 villas worth $40 million, along with a deal for that purchase by Israel of gas at below market prices.

The trial is for certain to draw in much more regional and worldwide attention compared to ongoing trial in absentia of former Tunisian leader Zine el-Abidin ben Ali and 23 relatives.

Egypt, probably the most populous Arab country, used to be the political, economic and cultural hub from the Arab world.

Mr Mubarak ruled by having an iron fist for 3 decades. Muslim fundamentalists, leftists and persecuted civil society experts will definitely be both shocked and buoyed by his appearance inside a cage like the cages into that they were packed. Egyptian people may also be deeply moved through the former president’s humiliation – whether he makes its way into the pier today or otherwise.

The trial is a central need for an incredible number of democracy activists who’ve played within the uprising, suspended throughout the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. As the generals who assumed presidential forces following Mr Mubarak’s removal were not wanting to prosecute their former commander-in-chief, these were compelled to do this by repeated “million man” marches within the capital’s legendary Tahrir Square, Alexandria, Suez, and elsewhere.

Many activists will probably complain, however, the trial is happening inside a civil court while protesters detained through the security forces and military continue to be given summary tests by military courts.

The trial may have major consequences over the Arab world as well as in nations governed by authoritarian routines unaccountable towards the public.

Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad’s government should be expected to improve pressure on protesters seeking his removal from energy. However the regime may also feel compelled to pursue reforms to soothe the situation. Arab leaders not facing mass revolt may be urged to satisfy opposition demands for democracy, accountability and transparency. If Mr Mubarak attends today’s proceedings, his image within the cage could stay in the mind’s eye of dictators everywhere for any very long time.

The deadline to join up for classes is 5 p.m. August. 12. Registration forms can be found at KPD’s headquarters, situated at 3304 Community Blvd.

“We train people the procedures and processes from the police department,” KPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Tammy Moseley stated. “It dispels some myths about how exactly we all do things. It may also help people to create more informed choices if this involves criminal activity.”

The 40-hour course starts August. 22. Courses are each Monday at KPD’s headquarters from 7 to 10 p.m. until graduation November. 7.

Teachers from every department in KPD train classes. Students will have a chance to have interaction with KPD commanders and find out about every part of the department.

Weekly classes include periods on traffic laws and regulations and citations, internal matters, the gang unit and animal control.

The primary highlight of every term is really a Saturday course at KPD’s firing range. Students see demos in the SWAT team, hostage discussions and also the K-9 unit. Students may also be permitted to make use of police weapons inside a controlled setting.

Throughout the word, students ride together with a police officer. After graduation, students can join the People Police Academy Alumni Association, which meets monthly. Joining the alumni association enables former students to volunteer for KPD and schedule further ride-alongs following the course finishes.

The course is free of charge. All that’s needed would be to submit an application. Experience check is going to be carried out on all candidates. Persons charged of the criminal offence aren’t qualified for that course.

Registration is closing soon for that Kirksville Citizens’ Police Academy, which is held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. beginning August 16 and ending November 15 having a graduation ceremony.

The nearly 40 hrs of coaching, class instruction and real-world situations can give participants a peek at police force every week with around the jail, law enforcement station and classes on police force laws and regulations and research.

The course will even include classes about the SWAT unit, internal matters and police communication.

The aim of the academy would be to provide cooperative understanding through education.

Potential participants are urged to submit an application and give it back towards the Kirksville Police Department as quickly as possible.

Candidates is going to be tested having a criminal background criminal record check and recognized on the situation-by-situation basis.

Based on the pr release, people having a criminal offence conviction will normally be refused.

Classes should be carried out in the Adair County Annex Building with participants permitted only three excused absences throughout the 13 days.

All $23,410 requested through the department in the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for fiscal 2012 is going to be visiting the People Police Academy, Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Services programs, when the application qualifies.

Individuals programs are made to educate the city about the procedures from the police department and also to increase communications between police and citizens.

Within the condition of Michigan, $4,030,512 continues to be approved for local grants or loans, half that would go to departments within the Detroit metro area, based on the Bureau of Justice Assistance. St. Clair County continues to be approved for $18,984 within the grant program.

Previous Byrne grants or loans towards the Port Huron Police Department have assisted fund bicycle patrols, drug crackdowns, sex offender warrants and technology for crime and accident scene research. The Byrne grant money approved for that department is all about one-third under the total amount received for that current fiscal year, Lt. Scott Pike stated.

Pike is heading the latest Byrne grant application. The department must make quarterly reviews towards the Bureau of Justice Assistance how the cash has been used.

This season, the department made the decision to make use of the Byrne grant to aid the city relations arm from the department.

“We weren’t confident that we would have the ability to fund the People Police Academy in line with the city’s current budget,” Pike stated.

The People Police Academy fosters most of the community volunteers associated with law enforcement department.

“It is a program that is constantly on the develop itself,” Pike stated.

Using citizen volunteers within the police station to accomplish administrative tasks frees on-duty officials to police the roads, Pike stated.

Twenty-nine males and girls received certificates of graduation in recognition from the effective finishing the 29th session in the Prince William County Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy (CPA).

They’re:

Alan Alborn of Manassas

William Search of Haymarket

John Bartleson of Manassas

Sara Bartleson of Manassas

Linda Beard of Manassas

Barbara Bell of Woodbridge

Jacqueline Buckles of Manassas

Reber Chergosky of Woodbridge

Kim Prepare of Bristow

Hector Dittamo of Lake Ridge

Theresa Dittamo of Lake Ridge

Kathleen Drumheller of Dale City

Jeffrey Edmonds of Dale City

Jean Pierre Fortin of Manassas

Maria Hooper of Dale City

Jane Bartleson of Manassas

Ellen Meir of Dale City

Barbara Montgomery of Dale City

Nancy Neeper of Dale City

Take advantage of Neeper of Dale City

Susan Oberg of Lake Ridge

Nancy Pitzer of Bristow

Kent Powell of Bristow

Carla Rendon of Manassas

Ilma Striker of Haymarket

Patricia Vance of Nokesville

David Whitman of Dale City

Erma Wright of Nokesville

Michelle Wright of Nokesville

The citizen police academy allows the town an chance to learn about every factor of police work as well as the Police Department, depending on Officer Erika Hernandez, who coordinates the Citizen Police Academy within the Prince William County Criminal Justice Academy in Nokesville.

“We appreciate the males and girls who remember to attend the program,” mentioned Chief Charlie T. Deane. “Graduates in the program are better-informed individuals who gain a comprehension of the operation of police force Department together with a larger awareness and appreciation in the challenges and options faced by Prince William County cops every single day.”

Programs are recognized about the first-come, first-offered basis. The multi-week training program meets one evening each week through the session and includes class and hands-on instruction. The program enables dialogue between people and authorities and between people of neighboring cities.

Subjects covered include virtually every facet of police work including patrol, immigration enforcement, criminal research, drugs enforcement, youth programs, recruitment and selection, training, administration, tactical methods, communications and crime-scene management. Students will also be presented to chance to ride a big change getting a patrol officer, become familiarized with police equipment including guns, also to tour police facilities.

Programs are progressively being recognized for your 2012 class. Programs are available concerning the Police Department’s website (internet.pwcgov.org/police) beneath the “Citizen/Volunteer Center” subject.

17 people began a 12-week-course Tuesday night in which they’ll learn about a variety of topics from gang awareness to forensics. They’ll also attend a firearms training course and go on a police ride along.

Participants say this course is a way of keeping themselves and their neighbors safe.

There are still openings for this course, but you must sign up by the end of the week.Contact APD at 483-6298 for information on the academy.

The Academy runs twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.

The academy training will consist of classroom and “hands on” training with emphasis on student involvement.

The purpose of the Great Falls Police Citizens Academy is to promote and enhance citizen understanding and awareness of the role of the Great Falls Police Department.

The program is designed to develop positive relations between the police and the community through education. The goals are to create a growing nucleus of responsible, well-informed citizens who have a better perception of police practices and services.

The next academy begins Sept. 7. Classes will be held on Wednesday evenings. Participation requires a commitment of one evening a week and two Saturday afternoons for a 10-week period. Participants will meet Wednesdays 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon sessions will be from noon to 4 p.m.

In addition ride-alongs with a patrol officer may be scheduled. Classes will be held at the Great Falls Police Department training room, 112 1st St. S.

Those interested in attending the next Citizen Academy may complete the online application at http://www.greatfallsmt.net/people_offices/police/citacadapp.php. If selected, more detailed information will be obtained to complete a background investigation. Class is limited to 30 students.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Aug. 17.

Contact Officer Jesse Slaughter with questions 406-771-1180 Ext. 217

The class starts Sept. 28 and run 6:30-9 p.m. Wednesdays through Dec. 7. There will be no class Nov. 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

During the academy, participants learn about many aspects of police department duties. Besides classroom lecture, the academy includes a patrol ride along, firearms training, mock traffic stops and room searches.

Schaumburg residents or business community members may apply. For an application, visit www.villageofschaumburg.com. For information, call 847-348-7276.

Police spokeswoman Cpl. Misti Mohrenne said Monday the department wants to teach residents “why we do what we do and how we do it.”

Many people have expressed interest in learning about the actions of the Eustis Police Department, spurring the class, Mohrenne said.

“For some, it’s because they don’t like the way we do things; some just want to learn,” she said. “It’s a very basic overview of what we learn at the (police) academy.”

The academy should not be confused with Citizens on Patrol. People who take the class will not have arrest power, Mohrenne said.

This inaugural academy will be limited to 15 students. Once the class is filled, the remaining applications will be retained for the 2012 academy.

Classes will be held on 10 consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Eustis City Hall in the city commission meeting room.

The academy curriculum will include instruction on department overview and chain of command, investigations, use of force, traffic enforcement, firearm basics, crime scene investigations and dealing with mentally ill citizens, among other topics.

Applicants must agree to a background investigation, with the understanding that the police department reserves the right to approve or deny applications based on the result of the background check.

Participants in the academy will be required to sign a waiver and will be eligible to ride along with a patrol officer.

The department will accept up to 50 applications through June 24.

To apply, visit www.eustis.org/departments/inpdacademy.htm.