Police dept. offers citizens academy in mosque

MANCHESTER, Mo. -- St. Louis County police are offering members of a mosque a chance to learn how law enforcement officers do their jobs.

The department and the Islamic Foundation are working together to conduct a Citizens Police Academy at the Daar-ul-Islam Mosque in Manchester.

It's the first time the county's academy is being hosted by an Islamic place of worship. County Police Chief Timothy Fitch says it gives members of the mosque the opportunity to get acquainted with officers and learn how the department operates.

The first of eight weekly sessions takes place Wednesday night. Participants will receive certificates of completion at a ceremony Jan. 16, 2013.