CITIZENS OFTEN WISH they had a better way to voice concerns and ask questions about the public safety system. In turn, Ann Arbor police and fire and the 15th District Court members wish the public had a better understanding of the challenges facing police officers, firefighters, prosecuting attorneys, defense attorneys and judges. Now, all of these goals and more can be accomplished with the Ann Arbor Citizens’ Police, Fire and Courts Academy, which aims to teach citizens about the public safety system.

First of its kind in the state of Michigan, the Ann Arbor Citizens’ Police, Fire and Courts Academy provides a mechanism for educating the public about the public safety system and ways to avoid and prevent fire and crime. The academy also provides a two-way communication between citizens, police officers, firefighters, attorneys and judges in the 15th District Court.

The Citizens’ Police, Fire and Courts Academy is a 10-week program that will be held at the Ann Arbor police and fire departments, Washtenaw Community College and the 15th District Court. Classes take place weekly on Tuesdays beginning March 10 and ending May 12, 2015, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. Topics will include: police, fire and 15th District Court organizational structure, K-9 unit, detective investigations, firearms (F.A.T.S.), traffic stop scenarios, emergency management, National Incident Management Systems, first aid/CPR/AED, fire behavior, personal protection equipment, fire safety and prevention, hazardous materials, technical rescue, the criminal justice system, court processes and court programs.

For more information about this program or to download an application, visit the City of Ann Arbor website at www.a2gov.org/police or call Program Coordinator Adele El-Ayoubi with the Ann Arbor Police Department at 734.794.6933 ext. 1. All applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2015. A background review will be conducted on all applicants; applicants will be notified if accepted into the program.