Applications available for Columbus Public Safety Citizen’s Academy

Columbus Police Department is accepting applications for the next Columbus Public Safety Citizen’s Academy class, starting in August.

Lt. Matt Harris, spokesman for the department, says participants will be able to see behind the scenes with the police, Columbus Fire Department, the Emergency Operations Center and the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department. There will also be demonstrations from the SWAT team, bomb squad, police dogs and ridealongs with police officers and a trip to the shooting range.

New this year will be a scenario night, where academy participants will be assuming the role of a police officer dispatched to a call.

The 10-week class meets on Thursday evenings and it is free but it is limited to 30 participants and you must go through a background check. You can download an application at the Columbus Police Department website at www.columbus.in.gov.