The Albert Lea Police Department will once again be hosting a Citizen’s Academy.

The Citizen’s Academy is a community police program started in May 2001. The program offers comprehensive information on the Albert Lea Police Department’s operation policies and procedures. It is a free course which includes an optional four-hour ride-along with a police officer on a tour of duty. The mission of this program is to forge cooperation and trust between citizens and the Albert Lea Police Department.

The classes are instructed by members of the Albert Lea Police Department. Cadets will hear topics such as police equipment, narcotics, use of force, community service officer program and DUI investigations among others.

The Citizen’s Academy will be on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. beginning on March 19, and culminating with a graduation ceremony on May 11.

Applicants should reside or work in Albert Lea and must be 18 years of age and submit to a background investigation. Classes are limited to 15 applicants.

Applications can be obtained at Albert Lea City Hall, the Freeborn County Courthouse (dispatch window) or by contacting Lt. Jeff Strom at 507-377-5254 or e-mail at jstrom@ci.albertlea.mn.us .

The application deadline is Feb. 23.