by Pat Peterson
Published: Fri, October 23, 2009 - 3:55 pm CST
Last Updated: Fri, October 23, 2009 - 5:35 pm CST
BAY MINETTE, Alabama - Angela Ballard isn't a cop, but she's learning a lot about police work. This stay at home mom is just one of dozens of Bay Minette residents enrolled in the police department's citizens academy.
"It's an eye-opener to what goes on in their own city," says Ballard. "A lot of people think their quiet, little city nothing goes on here, then they realize, my goodness! There's a lot of stuff going on!"
The citizens police academy is an intense, ten-week training course. The class teaches everyday "Joes" the ins and outs of law enforcement, including dispatch, firearm instruction and police patrol.
"I think it's great they take the time out of their busy lives to come out and learn what we do," says veteran Bay Minette Police Officer Renee Peebles.
"We have a young man that's in the citizens academy right now that has expressed interest in a career in law enforcement and is actually going to put in an application," says Chief Mike Rowland.
Students in the academy will graduate in a few weeks. The Bay Minette Police Dept. will offer another citizens academy in March. The program is free.
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