The Jemison Police Department is gearing up to host the eight-week Citizens Police Academy beginning March 1 at 6 p.m. at Jemison City Hall.

The program provides insight to the public on the operations of JPD.

The Citizens Academy will be similar to previous years with classes such as patrol operations and policy, understanding reports and citations, narcotic and general investigations, evidence collection, mock crime scenes, traffic stops, courtroom proceedings, a jail tour and firearm training.

The Citizens Academy is a tool that allows participants to meet once a week and become more informed about the inner workings of the police department.

This will be the sixth year for Jemison to host the Citizens Academy.

Although the program does not certify individuals to be police officers, it does allow the residents of Jemison to see first-hand how the department operates.

Six classes must be attended for a person to successfully pass the Citizens Academy.

A background check will be conducted on all applicants, and those with criminal backgrounds may not be accepted to the program.

The Citizens Academy is not a time for individuals to sit in an open forum and discuss previous law enforcement contacts or grievances, but an opportunity for applicants to learn about the department and for the department to learn about the concerns from the applicants.

All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Participants under 18 must have a parent sign a waiver.

The classes are held each Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. for a little more than two hours each session.

Class size will be limited to 20 people, so those that are “truly” interested in making a commitment should apply.

Applications for the class are available at Jemison City Hall.

All applications must be turned in by Feb. 26.

To enroll, individuals must fill out the application and return it to the JPD by either mailing the application, dropping it by Jemison City Hall or faxing it to (205) 688-1109.

Jemison City Hall is located at 14 Padgett Lane, P.O. Box 609, Jemison.

For more information, call (205) 688-4491.