The South County Precinct of the St. Louis County Police Department will sponsor a Citizens’ Police Academy at the Mehlville Neighborhood Policing Substation, 3229 Lemay Ferry Road.

Classes will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on seven consecutive Wednesdays, beginning Aug. 22.

Police Chief Jerry Lee stated in a news release, “The Citizens’ Police Academy creates the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the officers that serve and protect your community. Participants learn about what steps they can take to avoid becoming the victim of a crime and they get an inside look at how the county Police Department operates. Instead of relying on television or Hollywood, graduates of these academies can gain personal knowledge and experience in how actual police officers patrol their beats, conduct traffic stops and investigate crime. Classes are instructed by law-enforcement professionals in the fields of homicide, robbery, burglary, drug enforcement, emergency management, fraud and the crime lab.”

Capt. Ken Cox, South County Precinct commander, added, “One of the main goals of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to achieve an understanding and cooperation between citizens and police. This close working relationship is vital to the success of law enforcement in our community. The Citizens’ Police Academy is an excellent tool in building this mutual trust and understanding.”

At the end of the training, participants will receive a certificate at a graduation ceremony. The Citizens’ Police Academy is open to all county residents and is free.

Advance registration is required and seating is limited. To obtain a registration form, call Neighborhood Policing Officer Mike Schira at (314) 892-1510.

Forms also are available at the South County Precinct, 3031 Telegraph Road.