Writers’ Police Academy: Things You Need To Know!

WPA: Things you need to know

It’s finally here, folks. The Writers’ Police Academy is only two days away!

We have an excellent program with top-notch instructors. We also have a surprise or two waiting for you. I do want to remind everyone that this is actual police training, not a writers conference. So be on your toes, expect loud noises (gunshots and yelling), don’t be shy, and HAVE FUN!

Here’s a list of need-to-know information put together by Nancy Metzner, the person who had the unfortunate job of keeping me straight throughout the planning. This list was sent via email  to all WPA attendees. If you did not receive a copy please let us know. In the meantime, please use this copy as your guide.

Nancy Metzner

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Nancy’s List

FATS
If you are participating in FATS then you will need to sign a release if you have not already done so. We will need this on file before you can participate. Lee would also like for you to read the two attachments prepared by the FATS instructor, Jerry Cooper. The Titles are Use of Force Tips Part 1 and Part 2.

All of these forms and information will be available at the registration table if you have forgotten yours.

Remember you must be at the FATS location at your assigned time or you will not be able to participate. It is not possible to fix the schedule to fit you in later if you miss. Every hour of the conference schedule is full with recruits taking FATS training so if you miss there will be no way to make it up. We are sorry if this means you will need to miss a class or speaker but the schedule is very tight.

WEATHER

Even though it is officially fall the weather here is still quite warm. Our high temperatures for the next few days are predicted to be in the low 90’s. Lows in our area will be 60’s and 70’s. It still feels like summer here, so dress for hot weather. There is a slight chance of rain on Saturday. Friday you will be outside a lot. There will be places to sit and water on hand. Saturday the majority of the day will be spent in buildings, although there are a few outdoor activities going on.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

If you were on the FATS training standby list and received notification that you are now on the schedule, you will need to pay the fee at registration. T-Shirts fees will also be due at that time. We are not able to take credit cards or pay pal and will need cash or check.

Also, come prepared to buy raffle tickets for our great book baskets. Proceeds will go to the Criminal Justice Foundation of GTCC.

Lunch on Friday

Lunch is not provided on Friday. The campus is isolated and we are aware that many of you are without transportation so the Emergency Medical Services Student Association has decided to sell bag lunches. If you do have a car it will still be difficult to leave campus, return and park within the one hour window. We encourage you to take advantage of their desire to raise funds by buying a bag lunch. They request a donation of $6.00 per lunch. Lunches will include a sandwich, drink and chips. There are also lots of vending machines in the Public Safety building. You may prefer to pack a protein bar or small snack for yourself.

Lunch on Saturday

Lunch on Saturday is provided to everyone registered for the event. The hotel will be providing box lunches with a turkey or veggie selection.

Campus Map

We have attached a campus map, however it was created in Publisher and some of you may not be able to open it. We will have copies of it at the hotel desk for you to pick up. If you aren’t staying at the hotel and can’t open the map, please email and we’ll see about getting someone to put it in a pdf file to send you.

Photos and Video

Photographs should not be taken of officers or instructors without their permission being obtained first. Many law enforcement personnel work undercover and prefer not to have their pictures taken. It is too easy for these photos to end up on the internet and possibly endanger their lives and or affect their career.

Shuttle Bus

There will be a shuttle that runs between the hotel and the campus. Please note the posted signs at the hotel. There are a lot of people to be shuttled so if you drove and can open your vehicle to carpool with others this would be appreciated. It takes no more than 10 minutes to get to campus. Registration on Friday begins at 8:30. You’ll want to be checked in before the demonstrations begin at 10:00 am.

T-Shirts

If you missed the chance to place a t-shirt order we will be taking orders for them at the conference. They proved more popular than we thought but time was a problem in getting more made in time for the event. They will be mailed to you after the event.

Clarion Hotel

The Clarion Hotel is located off I-40 at exit 213. This is the same exit whether you are coming EAST or West on I-40. The physical address is 415 Swing Road, Greensboro, NC.

THE BOX

Readers’ Services , ur division at the Library, has a box we carry to all events. It has everything inside it that we think a person might need and not have with them. Eyeglass repair kit, Pepto, Immodium, safety pins, kleenex, little bitty clothespins,tape, well you get the idea. If you need anything of this nature please track down someone wearing a shirt with the library logo and we’ll be happy to help you search through The Box. We want your conference experience to be great.

Reminders:
No guns or live ammunition can be brought to this event.
Writers’ Police Academy is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Safe travels. See you tomorrow!

2 replies
  1. Dave Swords
    Dave Swords says:

    Lee, those of us who can only wish we were in attendance want a full report here next week!

    Looks like it’s going to be a great experience.

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