Moorhead residents can get an inside view of community policing by taking part in this year’s Citizens Police Academy, Sessions are held Thursdays from Sept. 9 to Nov. 18. (Photo/MPD)

Two dozen Moorhead residents have a chance to glimpse law enforcement behind the scenes in the city’s 25th annual Citizens Police Academy, with weekly sessions beginning Thursday, Sept. 9. Applicants can still sign up for spots in the 2021 edition through Aug. 23.

“After having to cancel last year’s program due to the pandemic, we’re anxious to get back on track this year,” says Police Chief Shannon Monroe. “This academy is so important because it’s both helpful for citizens to understand the work of our officers, and also helpful for the department to learn about the concerns and needs of the people we serve.”

Sessions are held from 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday from Sept. 9 through Nov. 18 (except on Veterans Day, Nov. 11). Participants are expected to commit to attend at least eight of the ten sessions.

The academy offers participants a chance to experience hands-on challenges and procedures that face officers. These range from shoot/don’t shoot scenarios using a realistic fire-arm simulator and mock traffic stops to a demonstration of the skills of Moorhead’s K-9 units. They will see the SWAT equipment, learn about narcotics and DWI investigations and arrests, hear from MPD’s school resource officers, and learn about the department’s youth programs. They will also learn about use of force and officer safety concerns.

To apply for the free program, go to cityofmoorhead.com and search “academy.” Applicants may also contact community policing coordinator Leann Wallim, 218-299-5143. To qualify, they must be 18 or older and live or work in Moorhead.