Interested in getting a first-hand look at the operations of the Southern Pines Police Department? Than the annual Citizen’s Police Academy may be just what you are searching for.

This is the 11th season for the Citizen’s Police Academy. It will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays from May 6 to June 17. The program is an opportunity for citizens to meet officers, telecommunications and support staff who serve to protect the Town of Southern Pines. Classes will be held at the police department, 801 SE Service Road.

“They are invaluable,” said Bob Temme of the program. Temme is the community services coordinator for the Southern Pines Police Department. He says the program helps, “break down barriers” between citizens and law enforcement personnel.

The intent of the academy is twofold. First is to give participants a “behind the scenes” look at how the department operates. Second is to build a bond between the community and the department.

The program doesn’t train citizens to be police officers, but it gives the community an opportunity to see what police work is all about. Highlights of the program include demonstrations by the K9 unit and Special Teams, as well as Crime Scene Investigation. Throughout the program, students will process a mock crime scene and present their case to an independent panel for review and the issuance of a simulated arrest warrant.

Temme said the CSI component to the program is new this season.

““Each night you process a new area of the crime scene,” he said. “Eventually you will present the evidence you have and see if you have enough for a warrant.”

Class participants will be given the chance to ride with an officer while on patrol. Throughout the program citizens will be allowed and encouraged to ask questions, voice concerns and learn more about the law enforcement profession.

To attend, participants must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Be a resident of Southern Pines or a Southern Pines business owner

• No felony convictions

• No misdemeanor convictions within one year of application

• No pending criminal charges

The above requirements may be waived or modified upon review and approval of the chief of police. A criminal background check will be completed on each applicant prior to acceptance into the program.

Applications are available at the Southern Pines Police Department or online at www.southernpines.net. Applications are to be returned to the police department or mailed to P.O. Box 330 Southern Pines, NC 28388. Enrollment is limited to 20.

For more information, call Temme, community services coordinator, at 692-7031.