The Schertz Special Projects Division offers a Schertz Citizens Police Academy program designed to provide awareness and information about the role of Law Enforcement, and to increase the rapport between its citizens and Schertz Police Officers. Police officers serve as instructors in a classroom environment, providing hands-on learning, scenarios and role-play to give students a view of what law enforcement is all about. Topics include: department command structure, operations, simulated firearms training, use of force, laws, city ordinances, traffic stops, criminal investigations and communications. The program is open to Schertz residents and/or business members in the community and runs once a week for twelve weeks. The Citizens Police Academy does not give students any police officer certifications or qualifications but only serves to educate its citizens. If you are interested in attending the Schertz Citizens Police Academy, you must be at least 18 years of age, and complete an application process. A background check will be completed on all applicants, at no charge. There is no fee for the class which is limited to 30 students. The deadline for the application is August 7, 2015 before 5pm. Classes will be held from 6-9pm every Thursday beginning August 13th and run through October 29, 2015. Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy have the option of joining the Schertz Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and Schertz Citizens Patrol. Contact Officer Helen Lafitte at 619-1264 or find the application and additional information by going online to: Schertz.com/?page id=1440. Check out the Schertz PD Citizens Police Alumni Association page on Facebook.