News Releases

POLICE DEPARTMENT OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR CITIZENS ACADEMY

Dec 18th, 2008

File Number: 08-12-Citizen Academy

The Mobile Police Department is currently accepting applications for its tenth Citizen's Academy set to start on February 26, 2009. The classes meet once a week on Thursdays for 11 weeks from 6:30 P.M. until 9:30 P.M. and will conclude on April 30, 2009. The classes will be held at the Police Department Training Academy located at 1251 Virginia Street. The classes are offered to provide citizens with a hands-on perspective of police work.

The classes are taught by police officials with expertise in the given areas of instruction. A vital part of the Academy is participation in role playing and scenarios. Students will also have the option, on a voluntary basis, to ride with a patrol officer and visit several law enforcement facilities, including Metro Jail and Communications. Students will also be trained to handle firearms at the MPD Pistol Range.

The program is free and class size is limited. Applicants that meet requirements for participation will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis.

The Mobile Police Department started the Citizen's Academy Program in 2001 as a way of building partnerships with citizens to fight crime and improve safety city-wide. On various occasions, the Police Department has convened graduates of the program for their input on projects or issues.

The upcoming class will focus on all the units of the Police Department and their methods to fight crime and aid victims. Topics include crime scene security and investigations, traffic operations, tactical unit callouts, the bomb squad, case investigation, crime prevention, and more.

Participation is limited to residents of the city or its police jurisdiction who are at least 21 years of age and have no significant arrest history. They must present a valid Alabama driver's license and be willing to undergo a background check.

Interested persons may download an application from the police Web Site at www.cityofmobile.org/mobilepd. They also can have an application sent to them by calling the Training Academy at 208-2730.

Cpl. Charles D. Bagsby Jr.

Public Information Office

Office: 208-1715

Fax: 208-1758