Citizens and police

The Citizens Police Academy in Cape Girardeau offers an opportunity to get to know how the police department works from the inside.

At the academy, chief Carl Kinnison and others in law enforcement share their knowledge about their work with academy participants in weekly meetings. The exchange is intended to help build better relationships with the public.

Some graduates of the academy end up doing volunteer work at the department.

Background checks are conducted on each participant to assure that no convicted criminals are allowed into the academy.

Improving communication between police and the people they are sworn to protect can only help both groups.

The next seven-week academy begins Feb. 2. Applications are due by Jan. 31. To apply, contact the police department at 335-6621.