The Demopolis Police Department is accepting more applicants for its third Citizens Police Academy Class after last week’s storms delayed the original start date.

“we put the class off because the storm came through last week,” Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese said.

The reschedule, which is set to begin May 26, exposes enrollees to the inter-workings of the city’s police force.

“(Students) learn about fire arms, investigation, the K-9 unit…,” Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese said. “A little about nearly everything that goes into police work.”

The class is free of charge and will cover several subjects dealing with the police department, from arrest procedures to detective work, from undercover operations to internal organization and much more.

“One of the things I took away from the class is I’m not afraid of guns anymore,” said Sam Gross, a graduate of the CPA’s second class who also serves as Demopolis’ City Clerk. “Just learning about them and actually firing one on the range, I got over my fear.”

Exposure to some of the department’s investigative units also opened Gross’ eyes to the community in which she lives.

“The part about Internet predators was really sobering,” she said. “I have kids and I put parental controls on our computer after what I learned in the class.”

Those interested in attending the classes must fill out an application, which can be obtained from the police departmentís website at or at Police Headquarters.

“You really come out of the class with a better understanding of how the department works and what (the officers) do,” Gross said reflecting upon her graduation. “And you have a better appreciation for the men and women who do it.”

Classes will be held every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. for eight weeks. Once students complete the Citizens Police Academy Classes, graduates become members of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association.

Through the Alumni Association the Police Department is able to carry out its mission.