Muncie Police Department officers said they are confident in the newest members of their force, the stars of "Armed & Famous," and are looking forward to working with them.
Celebrities Jason "Wee Man" Acu+â-¦a, Erik Estrada, La Toya Jackson, Jack Osbourne and Trish Stratus were sworn in as officers by Mayor Dan Canan in front of about 200 crew members, producers, community members and fans.
Ball State University freshmen Toni Badics and Brianna Laudadio came because Laudadio said she received an e-mail about the filming from the Department of Telecommunication and convinced Badics to go with her.
"I didn't have anything else to do tonight," Laudadio said.
The ceremony began around 8:15 p.m., although it was scheduled to start at 7:45 p.m. Audience members were required to turn off all cell phones, electronic devices and flash options on cameras. Before even glimpsing the celebrities, the production crew instructed the crowd to applaud and cheer numerous times while it was filmed at different angles.
Laudadio said she had never been to an event like this and having to sign waivers and take mug shots before entering the room was intriguing.
"Being a TCOM major, it's interesting to see how the production goes," she said.
When the celebrities entered, Canan led them in an oath and the police code of ethics. They had trouble repeating the words of the oath after Canan . They were all smiles when presented with their weapons, and each one addressed and thanked the audience at the end of the ceremony.
"Even though we are celebrities, we are police officers," Wee Man said. "That is our first line of duty."
Afterwards, Canan said he had total confidence in the newest members of the police force.
"I think it's going to be very positive for the community," Canan said. "They're very well prepared because of the training they've been through."
It is up to the community as to whether the reality show will reflect positively or negatively on Muncie, said Bruce Munson, Muncie resident and longtime friend of the show's executive producer.
He said any community has negative elements, but there are plenty of chances to see the good spirits of people in Muncie.
"I know the folks behind this show and their attempt is to show this city in a positive light," Munson said.
The celebrities completed approximately three weeks of training in 12 days because they worked 12 hours a day and did not take time off, Chief of Police Joe Winkle said. They received the training as any other officers would have and did a great job, he said. The celebrities will be paired up with officers when on duty, he said.
During training, Osbourne excelled at firearms while Stratus did extremely well in the physical fitness tests, Winkle said.
All of the celebrities passed the agility part of training, but only Acu+â-¦a, Osbourne and Stratus met the higher police academy standards, one officer said.
"I wouldn't have a problem working with any of [the celebrities]," he said. "They've done a nice job."
While the Muncie police report the celebrities have taken training very seriously and are ready for duty, Laudadio said she isn't sure whether the residents are ready.
"I don't think anyone's gonna take them seriously," Laudadio said. "If they try to bust a party [on campus], they'll just be invited in for shots."
Badics replied, "I think I'd laugh because it's just so awkward to see La Toya Jackson arrest me"
On the other hand, Muncie resident Kathy Williams said she would pull over if stopped by the celebrity cops. She would respect their authority because they are in official positions, she said.
"If I was doing something I shouldn't have been doing, they have a right to pull me over," Williams said.
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