The Moscow Police Department has hosted a Citizen Police Academy for 11 years, and will do so again beginning Jan. 24.
The course consists of 11 weekly meetings, usually on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
“It’s an overview of what we do, why we do it, how we do it and how we go home at night to keep everybody safe,” Officer Jesse Applehans said. “A lot of people do it if they are interested in the career.”
Classes cover “police history, the criminal justice system, patrol procedures, traffic & drug enforcement, criminal investigations, use of force, firearms training and emergency vehicle operation,” according to the City of Moscow’s website.
The course is free and open to anyone, but seating is limited to about 25 participants, so those interested are encouraged to register early. Applications are available at the MPD until Jan. 9.
After spring break, there will be two Saturday classes. One will take place at the shooting range, the other will include a ride-along in a police vehicle.
The course is intended to educate citizens on the law enforcement profession while “enhancing communication lines to those citizens we serve and protect,” also according to the Moscow city website.
“You can also get credit through the university,” Applehans said.