Cass County Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr. and Cass County Council of Aging Director Bob Cochrane are pleased to announce they are hosting the 2011 Citizens Police Academy.

This program is designed to provide citizens with a better understanding of law enforcement and its procedures.

It also allows law enforcement the opportunity to understand citizen concerns in regards to complaints and issues. They are currently looking for individuals interested in joining them for the 2011 Citizens Police Academy.

This academy is free of charge, but your time is needed every Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. starting March 1 and ending May 3.

Class location varies based on the material that will be presented.

You will be notified as to the locations when you are accepted into the academy.

Here are a few items that will be covered in the academy: a mock trial, basic crime scene processing, learning about the various specialty departments they have, such as drug team, snowmobile patrol and marine patrol.

Due to the content of training, they need authorization to do a background check on the interested attendee.

If you would like to attend the 2011 Citizens Police Academy, contact Deputy MaKenzie Kreiner at (269) 445-1215 or (269) 445-8110 for an application; or pick up an application at the Cass County Council on Aging. All applications must be completed and returned no later than Feb. 14.