The ten-week Herefordshire Citizens’ Academy offers a unique insight into how the different departments within West Mercia Police work to protect people from harm, and improve the quality of life for the residents.

Herefordshire Citizens’ Academy will be held at the Hereford and Ludlow College, Folly Lane, Hereford, HR1 1LT every Wednesday evening (6:30pm -8:45pm) from February 22nd until May 10th 2017.

Members of the public, aged 16 years and older, who are interested in policing can apply to join the Citizens’ Academy and find out more about how they can support the work of the police and their partner agencies.

The aim of the course is to open up communication between the community and the police, provide information about police procedures, reduce the fear of crime and increase personal safety.

The course will cover a range of policing functions/roles, including crime prevention and detection, recording crimes and incidents, road safety, forensic investigation, police use of firearms, internet safety, and the role of Safer Neighbourhood Teams as well as other key departments.

It is hoped that those who attend the Citizens’ Academy will then be able to pass on their experiences and increased knowledge to the rest of the community, or take up the opportunity to become Special Constables or volunteers with the police or other agencies.

The course is supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia.

Criteria will be applied to the selection process and successful applicants will be subject to security checks.

For more information about Herefordshire Citizens’ Academy, and for an application form, visit: www.westmercia.police.uk/academies. Please be aware that the closing date for applications is January 15th 2017.