The Jemison Police Department is gearing up to host the 8-week Citizens Police Academy beginning Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at Jemison City Hall.

Jemison Deputy Chief Marc McMinn said the Citizens Academy is a program that provides insight to the public on the operations of the JPD.

The Citizens Academy will be similar to previous years with classes such as emergency calls, police discretion, criminal investigations, evidence collection, mock crime scenes and traffic stops.

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 fifth year for Jemison to host the Citizens Academy.

McMinn said the program does not certify individuals to be police officers, but allows 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.

McMinn said 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 at 6 p.m. for a little more than two hours each session.

Those interested in participating must register as the class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications for the class are available at Jemison City Hall.

To enroll, individuals must fill out the application and return it to McMinn 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.