The Albert Lea Police Department will host a Citizens Academy again this year.

The Citizens 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.

Topics will include:hiring, field training officers,  police equipment, narcotics, use of force, crime scene investigations, community service officer program and DUI investigations, among others. The program features a lecture and hands on time.

The Citizens Academy will be from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday evenings starting March 16 and culminating with a graduation ceremony on May 8.

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

Applications can be obtained at Albert Lea City Hall, the Freeborn County Government Center, the city’s website or by contacting Lt. Jeff Strom at 507-377-5254 or e-mail jstrom@ci.albertlea.mn.us.