Image via the Atlanta Police Department’s Facebook page.

The Atlanta Police Department (APD) is looking for people interested in law enforcement to join its Citizen Police Academy.

This will be the 34^th citizen academy held by APD, Elizabeth Espy, director of community engagement and events for the department told Atlanta Loop. The citizen academy program has been ongoing for over two decades.

The academy’s mission is to educate citizens in the operations and practices of the department, according to program materials. Through the program, the department seeks to enhance community and police relations through feedback and open communication.

The program includes twenty-plus hours of skilled and professional instructions in three-hour sessions held one night per week over an eight-week period. Topics of these classes may include use of force, identity theft, 911 response, homicide investigation and crime lab procedures.

The APD strives for diversity among its applicants; however, certain criteria must be met. Applicants must be over 21 years of age, reside in the Metro Atlanta area, have no felony convictions and must not have a misdemeanor conviction within one year of application.

To apply, contact Espy by email or by call 404-546-2541 to request an application form.