Pennsylvania State Police Troop N at Hazleton will host its free Citizen’s Police Academy again this year for the eighth time.
The program is set to be held at Penn State Hazleton with a goal of building community trust and understanding, Public Information Officer Anthony Petroski said.
Classes are designed to expand citizens’ knowledge and understanding of the law and explore police procedure from the perspective of the Pennsylvania State Police.
The academy classes take place every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m., Oct. 27 to Dec. 15. Classes are limited to 30 participants who will be selected from interested applicants.
Students need to attend at least 75% of classes to be eligible to graduate and receive a certificate.
Each class covers a different element of policing such as special emergency response teams (SERT), K-9, criminal investigators, case studies and forensic services.
All applicants must be at least 18-years-old and a resident of Troop N’s coverage area which includes all of Carbon, Columbia and Monroe counties as well as southern Luzerne County.
Participants will also undergo a minor background check.
“If participants take any positive thoughts from this program, then it’s successful,” said Petroski who believes the program is a great community initiative.
For applications, contact Trooper Petroski at 570-459-3900 ext. 263 or anpetroski@pa.gov.
The deadline to apply is Oct. 23.