Milan police launch Citizens Police Academy

MILAN, Tenn. — Class will soon be in session for residents of one West Tennessee city hoping to get an inside look at what it takes to be in law enforcement.

The citizens academy will go beyond the classroom, giving residents the tools to take on crime and keep their community safe.

“It’s their city and their neighborhoods that we’re talking about,” Milan Police Chief Bobby Sellers said. “We want them to own those neighborhoods.”

The Milan Police Department is launching their first ever Citizens Police Academy aimed at giving anyone the skills to keep their community safe.

“We feel like our public can help us solve and prevent crime if they’re educated,” Chief Sellers said. “So this is aimed at trying to educate them.”

The 10-week course will go beyond your typical class, showing the ins and outs of law enforcement.

“It’s not just sitting in a classroom,” Sellers said. “They’ll actually be doing more hands-on stuff rather than listening to someone teach.”

From touring the county jail to learning the basics of investigations, the residents will be able to assist in any way possible.

“If there is a crime scene or if they see something happen, they’ll know what we need to help us solve that crime,” Sellers said.

But officials said their overall goal is to enforce positive policing.

“We can always do a better job,” Chief Sellers said. “When it comes to community relations, we have to have our community’s support.”

The 10-week course costs $30 and is limited to 20 people. Applications can be picked up at the Milan Police Department and are due April 25.