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Vicksburg Police Department opens citizens academy; applications due today

The Vicksburg Police Department said in a Facebook post that today, Aug. 21, is the final day to submit applications for its Citizens Academy, which begins Sept. 15 at the police department.

The department said the program will meet Tuesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will include 30 hours of hands-on learning, demonstrations and behind-the-scenes access to police operations. Officials encouraged residents to apply to take part in the course.

Citizens academies are offered by many law enforcement agencies to give residents an overview of policing, improve transparency and foster dialogue between officers and the communities they serve. Participants typically learn about patrol operations, investigations, and departmental policy, and get opportunities to meet officers and ask questions.

The Vicksburg Police Department urged interested residents to submit applications by the deadline and said the program supports its goal of “Building Trust. Strengthening Community.” We will provide more information as it becomes available.