POLICE TO HOLD CITIZENS' ACADEMY

The Cape Girardeau Police Department is sponsoring the third annual Citizens' Police Academy April 13 through June 1.

The academy consists of an eight-week curriculum held every Tuesday night from 6 to 8 at the police station. The academy is designed to familiarize citizens with the daily activities of the department and enhance cooperation between police and the community.

The training will cover a variety of law enforcement topics and will be taught by police officers. Some topics: department operations and programs, criminal and traffic laws, patrol and investigations, community policing, firearms and defensive tactics, personal safety, domestic violence and crime-scene processing.

"Participants will go through some of the actual training officers go through, including the use of a simulator," said Cpl. Kevin Orr.

The academy is designed to provide a foundation of training for new groups of volunteers. Although volunteering time is not a prerequisite for attending the academy, graduates will be encouraged to participate in departmental volunteer activities.

"This is the initial training we use for our volunteer force," said Orr. "And the only requirement we have is for the participant to be 18 years of age and undergo a background check."

Individuals interested in attending the free academy or learning more about the police-community volunteer program should contact Orr at 335-6621.