The Albert Lea Police Department will accept applicants for its annual Citizen’s Academy.

According to a press release, 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 that includes an optional four-hour ride-along with a police officer on a tour of duty.

The mission of the 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.

Participants will be presented with topics such as: hiring, field training officers, police equipment, narcotics, use of force, crime scene investigations, the community service officer program and DUI investigations, among others. The program features lectures and a hands-on experience.

The Citizen’s Academy will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday evenings beginning March 22 and culminating with a graduation ceremony May 14.

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 dispatch window or by contacting Lt. Jeff Strom at 507-377-5254 or jstrom@ci.albertlea.mn.us.

The application deadline is Feb. 26.