When a car crash happens on a Goodyear street, it might be the fifth accident of the week for Officer Chris Carter, but for the driver, it is likely their worst day ever.
“It might be my fifth accident of the week, but for them it’s traumatic. I try to remember that I’m here to help them through it,” he said.
This week, the Goodyear Police Department gave residents a front-row seat to policing during a public safety information session, part of the city’s ongoing Civic and Community Engagement program. Officers shared what a typical day looks like, from traffic enforcement and responding to 911 calls to handling major incidents, and explained the paths into law enforcement.
The department is actively seeking recruits and experienced officers from other agencies. Applicants must be 21 by the time they graduate the police academy, but there is no upper age limit.
Two pathways exist: completing a full academy or transferring laterally from another recognized agency.
“Most states have similar accreditation… as long as the state is recognized by Arizona, you can do a lateral move where you wouldn’t have to go through another academy,” Carter explained. He added that “probably 75% of our officers started at different agencies and then lateraled to Goodyear.”
Hands-On Training and Youth Programs
The session highlighted community-facing programs designed to educate and involve residents. The Citizens Academy, held twice a year, gives adults a five-week introduction to policing with scenario training, demonstrations, and ride-alongs.
“People love the Citizens Academy. They wish it was longer. We actually added a week this year just to make it more interactive,” Carter said.
Teenagers are not left out. The Teen Police Academy exposes high school students to law enforcement concepts each summer, while the city’s youth cadet program, for ages 14–20, currently has 15 members.
“It’s a very interactive experience. Cadets get actual dispatchers on the radio. They’ll open a channel just for us,” Carter said. “Three or four people who are officers now actually went through our youth cadet program.”
Neighborhood Safety and Technology Initiatives
Goodyear PD is also expanding neighborhood programs, including a traditional block watch, a crime-free multi-housing initiative for apartment complexes, and a Virtual Block Watch camera registry.
“Our Virtual Block Watch is not Big Brother — it doesn’t give us access to your cameras at all,” Carter said. “Detectives can type in an address, see where the cameras are, and contact residents directly. It makes investigations a lot quicker.”
The session did not shy away from the challenges of policing. Officers discussed arrests, parole violations, contraband, and the emotional weight of responding to residents during their worst moments.
“What we handle on a daily basis is probably somebody’s worst day of their life,” Carter said. “People aren’t always happy to see us, and part of the job is taking people to jail… but I try to make interactions as positive as I can.”
The department also outlined ways residents can get involved outside formal volunteering, including developing public events like “Crafts with Cops” or a “pickleball with police” meetup.
Through these initiatives, Goodyear Police aim to build stronger community ties while providing insight into the demanding, rewarding world of law enforcement.
Visit goodyearaz.gov for more information.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
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