The next Santa Monica Police Department Citizen Police Academy, which provides an inside look at local police work, will begin on Wednesday, November 9, 2005.

The 11-week program, one night per week for three hours, gives participants an overview of the department’s functions, responsibilities, and operational procedures. Classes are taught by police officers, police executives and highly specialized non-sworn employees of the police department.

Included in the course are demonstrations, discussions, lectures and personal participation in mock exercises. Units involved include the Defensive Tactics Team, Metro Team, K-9, Traffic Enforcement and Internal Affairs.  Participants will also get to tour the Public Safety Facility, where a majority of the classes will be held.

Enrollment is open to anyone over the age of 21, who lives, works or attends school in Santa Monica.  Applications will be accepted until October 31, or until the class is full. To obtain an application or to ask questions, please call the Santa Monica Police Department’s Community Relations Unit at (310) 458-8474.