The annual Citizens Police Academy starts Thursday. The Academy started when retired Major Stan Hayden wanted to improve the relationship between the West Monroe community and the WMPD.

The CPA hopes the free classes will help increase public awareness and discourage misconceptions about the department. It also provides the department with an understanding of what the community looks for in them.

The class topics include a wide range of police procedures, such as criminal investigation, patrol operations, use of force, records and communications, firearms familiarization, K-9 units and SWAT demonstrations and a ride along.

Classes are held twice a year, once in the fall and another in the spring, in 10 week sessions. Classes are one night a week.

Hayden said the academy has been a positive thing for the community and the police department.

The Police Academy began in 1998, but went dormant for a few years.

Since 2005, there have been 26 classes with over 500 graduates.

Registration is still underway for the fall session. If you would like more information, contact Stan Hayden at (318) -805-1908.