CITIZENS' POLICE ACADEMY SET

The Cape Girardeau Police Department announced Wednesday the beginning of the second Citizens' Police Academy.

The program will begin Monday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Police Department headquarters on Sprigg Street. Those who attend will meet one night per week for tour hours each night.

The first Citizens' Police Academy in Cape Girardeau was held last fall, with twenty-five people participating.

The academy's eight-week curriculum is designed to familiarize citizens with the daily activities of the police department and enhance the spirit of cooperation between police and the community, Chief Rick Hetzel said Wednesday.

"In addition, the academy will create a greater awareness and appreciation of the challenges and decisions faced by law enforcement," Hetzel said.

Among the topics covered in the academy are police operations and programs; criminal and traffic laws; patrol and investigations; community policing; firearms and defensive tactics; crime prevention; personal safety; and domestic violence.

One purpose behind the academy is to provide a foundation of training for people who will volunteer time to the department, though volunteering time is not a requirement to attend the academy.

Interested parties may contact Cpl. Kevin Orr of the Cape Girardeau Police Department at 335-6621.