Cottage Grove residents have an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of their Police Department during an eight-week Citizens Academy that will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays beginning Aug. 7. Registration for the course is due on Friday.

Participants in the program will cover a variety of topics aimed at developing a safer community by fostering an understanding and awareness of the department's operational policies and procedures. It will include lectures, demonstrations, ride-alongs, tours and hands-on exercises taught by police officers or experts in particular fields.

Participants must be at least 21 years old and live, work, or own a business in the city and must pass a background investigation check.

Applications can be made online at www.cottage-grove.org/index.php/police/tours-a-events/citizens-academy or at the front desk of the Cottage Grove Police Department, 12800 Ravine Pkwy. S.

jim anderson

@StribJAnderson