The Albert Lea Police Department’s Citizens Academy is currently accepting applications for the 2012 session. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. The class starts on March 22 and runs until May 10 with a graduation ceremony on May 14.

The Citizens Academy is designed to give the citizens of Albert Lea a look into the workings of their local police department. Officers with the Albert Lea Police Department will be holding training sessions on a variety of duties they perform including; Bike Patrol, School Resource Officer program, Use of Force, Crime Scene Processing and Field Training Officer program.

Each participant will be entitled to a four-hour ride-a-long with an officer.

Applicants must have the following qualifications:

• Resident of the City of Albert Lea

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Must pass a criminal background check

The class will be limited to 15 participants.

Applications can be obtained at the Freeborn County Law Enforcement Center, Albert Lea City Hall, or by contacting Lt. Jeff Strom at 507-377-5254. Lt. Strom can also be reached by email at jeff.strom@co.freeborn.mn.us

Applications will be accepted until March 1.