SIDNEY — The Sidney Police Department is hosting its second Citizens Police Academy. The academy will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. from Feb. 8 through April 12 at the police department.

The Citizens Police Academy gives participants an in-depth opportunity to learn about the operations and the policies of the Sidney Police Department. The program is structured to meet the desires of the community, to enhance the communication between the citizens and the police department.

“The 10-week course,” said Police Chief Will Balling, “allows citizens to learn what the officers do day-to-day and their responsibilities to the citizens of Sidney.

“The course also allows officers to learn about the concerns of citizens in Sidney. It’s our hope that the interaction between the officers and citizens build the repoire between the two groups.”

Officers, staff, and guest speakers will provide instruction in areas of their own expertise, said Balling, which will allow participants to view how the department operates to serve the community. Participants are encouraged to come to class with questions, participate in open dialogue, and advise staff of comments, concerns, and areas for improvement and sustainment.

Topics will include active shooter, use of force, crime scene investigating, criminal investigations, tour of police station, drug prevention, firearms training simulator, identity theft, Homeland Security, narcotics, patrol operations, traffic stops and and contemporary issues.

Individuals wishing to participate in the class will need to fill out an application which can be picked up at the Sidney Police Department or found on the city of Sidney’s website, http://www.sidneyoh.com/News_Events/index.asp.

For more information, email Sam Reed at [email protected] or contact Officer Mike McRill at 937-498-2351.