The Albert Lea Police Department will host a Citizen’s Academy again this year.

According to a press release, 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 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 hear on topics such as hiring, field training officers, police equipment, narcotics, use of force, crime scene investigations, the community service officer program and driving under the influence investigations, among others. The program features lectures and hands-on experience.

The Citizen’s Academy will take place 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday evenings beginning March 14 and culminating with a graduation ceremony May 1.

Applicants should reside or work in the city of Albert Lea. Applicants must be at least 18 years old 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, or by contacting Lt. Jeff Strom at 507-377-5254 or jstrom@ci.albertlea.mn.us.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 18.