St. Paul police are taking applications for its Citizens Police Academy.
The academy is focused on giving residents a better understanding of narcotics trafficking, gang activity, violent crime and police work, according to a news release.
The academy is a prerequisite to serving on the St. Paul Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission.
The academy runs from Dec. 19 to Feb. 27, 2013. It meets Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The classes will include shoot/don't shoot scenarios and meeting the K-9 and mounted patrol units. Firearms, defensive tactics, community policing and forensic work also will be included.
Participants must be residents of St. Paul or own a business or property within the city limits, be at least 21 years old and have no criminal history.
Applications are available by calling academy coordinator Don Luna at 651-266-5583 or don.luna@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Applications are due Oct. 15.
It's free to participate.
