The Plymouth Police Department is accepting applications for the Public Safety Citizens Academy, a free 12-week course, which meets 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Sept. 12.

This 36-hour course is geared toward expanding public knowledge of the Police and Fire departments. Each week, a different aspect of the Police Department will be featured through lectures and hands-on demonstrations; one week will be dedicated to Fire Department operations. Last year’s curriculum included the history and evolution of policing, patrol operations, investigations, emergency communications, police tactics and use of force, a K-9 demonstration, narcotics, SWAT, the DWI process, public safety education, crime prevention efforts and decision shooting scenarios.

“Past participants have given their experience very high marks and for a lot of them it really was an eye-opening experience,” said Community Relations Officer Jim Long. “We hope that participants can take the information they’ve learned and share it with others so that there is a greater understanding of policing in the community.”

Long time Plymouth resident Tom Hayden, a 2012 graduate of the academy, said the course exceeded his expectations. “Every class was well organized and the speakers were just great – very experienced and knowledgeable,” he said. “I was extremely impressed with the academy and felt privileged to be included.”

For more information or to apply, call Community Relations Officer Jim Long at 763-509-5135 or click here. Applicants must be 18 years old and live, work or own a business in Plymouth. Deadline to apply is Aug. 30. Space is limited to the first 30 eligible applicants; all participants must pass a background check. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant.