Huntsville Police Training Academy is currently accepting applications for the next Citizen Police Academy, according to a press release.

The academy is a nine-week program that gives community members first-hand information on the role of police officers in the Huntsville Police Department. The students meet from 6-9 p.m. each Thursday. The program involves both classroom and interactive instruction.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 31 with an expected start date of Feb. 16.

Topics covered include:

• Structure of the Huntsville Police Department;

• Civil and criminal law;

• Community policing;

• Precinct operation;

• Communications (911 center)

• Use of force;

• K-9;

• SWAT;

• Domestic violence; and

• Narcotics/gangs.

Participants must:

• Be at least 19 years of age;

• Be a resident, college student, or business owner in the city of Huntsville;

• No prior felony convictions;

• No outstanding warrants; and

• No pending criminal cases.

There is no fee to attend the class but seating is limited. To learn more and to apply, visit http://www.huntsvilleal.gov/residents/public-safety/huntsville-police/community-resources/citizens-police-academy/

Completed applications can be dropped off at any of these locations:

• Huntsville Police Academy, 3011-A Sparkman Dr., Huntsville, AL  35810 (can be mailed here also);

• North Precinct, 4014 N. Memorial Parkway;

• South Precinct, 7900 Bailey Cove Road; or

• West Precinct, 2110 W. Clinton Ave.