The Murray Police Department will be offering an educational program this fall for residents and those who work in Murray aimed at strengthening their bond with the city.

The Fall 2013 Citizens’ Police Academy is an eight-week program put on by the Murray Police Department to inform citizens on the roles our local law enforcement play as well as about our own roles as citizens.

Participants will learn about the routines of officers as well as police skills they can apply in their own lives and community.

Murray Police Chief Jeff Liles, through a message issued by the Murray Police Department public relations division, said understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and citizenry is a vital mission to all law enforcement agencies.

The Citizens’ Police Academy begins Sept. 30 and runs through Nov. 18. Classes are Mondays starting at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours.

The program is free and open to anyone who either resides or works in the city of Murray older than the age of 21.

Those who apply are subjected to a limited background check which looks at their criminal history and warrant information.

Each class will focus on a different facet of law enforcement. The program will cover topics such as 911 communications, criminal investigations, narcotics investigation, traffic and traffic accident enforcement and court room procedure and use of force. Each area will be taught by officers knowledgeable in the specific topic.

The course will also include a tour of the Calloway County Jail, a K-9 unit demonstration during the seventh week of classes as well as the opportunity to ride along with a police officer.

The content of the Fall 2013 Citizens’ Police Academy will be identical to that offered during the spring academy last May.

“It’s good that the police are educating the public about their activities,” Kyle Hellkamp, senior, said. “This could alleviate potential pernicious feelings between the police and public.”

“The Citizens’ Police Academy is a fantastic program,” Katie Elkins, Murray State alumna and probation and parole officer said.

“It is also a great outlet for police departments to interest students in Criminal Justice programs, and for those already in those programs it provides a closer look at what career paths they could potentially take,” Ekins said.

Those who finish the program will have an opportunity to join the Murray Police Department Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. This is where the police department could possibly pool volunteers.

“I believe (participants) will be impressed with the skill and knowledge of the men and women of the Murray Police Department,” Liles said. “(Those who finish the course) will leave with a better feel for the job officers do to protect and serve every day,”

The Murray State Police will be accepting applications for enrollment up to the first day of class and application forms can be obtained either online or at the Murray State Police Headquarters.

Story by Jesse Nelson, Contributing Writer