Applications available for citizens public safety academy

Applications are now open for the next session of the Columbus and Bartholomew County public safety citizens academy.

According to Columbus police, the academy has been offered since the 1990s and more than 1,000 residents have taken part.

The free 11-week course gives participants a look behind the scenes of public safety agencies in the city of Columbus and Bartholomew County. Those include the Columbus Police and Fire Departments, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, and Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Center.

In previous classes, students have learned about the Columbus Police Department Bomb Squad, SWAT Team, Criminal Investigations, Narcotics/Vice Units, County Jail and K-9 Division. They have also fired weapons on the police gun range and used Columbus Fire Department equipment to cut open a wrecked vehicle and put out a fire correctly with a fire extinguisher.

The sessions begin on Thursday evenings starting February 12th from 6 to 9 p.m. in the evening through April 30th. There will be no class during Spring Break with the last scheduled. To take part you must be 18 and undergo a criminal background check.

You can find  more information or to sign up here: https://www.columbus.in.gov/police/info-documents/public-safety-academy/

Photo: Columbus and Bartholomew County Citizen’s Public Safety Academy file photo courtesy of city of Columbus