Special to the Reporter

Alabaster’s first Citizens’ Police Academy will begin classed in September, according to Mayor David Frings.

The purpose of the program is to educate citizens on the daily activities of the police department and to promote a rapport between citizens and police.

Frings stressed, however, the course does not certify candidates as police officers.

&uot;I am very pleased that we can offer this opportunity so our citizens can understand how the police department works and allow them to interface and get to know our officers,&uot; Frings said. &uot;Our officers are eager to interface with our citizens in this positive community program.&uot;

According to Frings, the first class will be held in September. Citizens will attend one class per week for 10 weeks, and each class will be taught by Alabaster Police Department employees. Classes will last at least two hours each and enrollment will be limited to 20 citizens per class.

To qualify, candidates must live in the city of Alabaster, be 18 years of age or older and have no criminal history other than minor traffic violations.

Citizens as young as 16 will be considered for enrollment if they are accompanied by a parent or guardian to each class.

Classes will include:

Class One: Orientation/Introduction to the Police Department.

Class Two: Criminal Law/Traffic Law.

Class Three: Patrol/Traffic Stops.

Class Four: Code Enforcement/Animal Control/SRO/DARE.

Class Five: Narcotics/K-9.

Class Six: Crime Scene/Traffic Investigation.

Class Seven: CID/Internal Affairs.

Class Eight: Use of Force/FATS.

Class Nine: Critical Incident/Negotiations/SRT.

Class 10: Main Facility Tour/Critique of Program/Graduation.

For more information about the program, contact Detective Tonya Piper at the Alabaster Police Department at 205-663-7401