NATCHEZ — Adams County residents looking to learn more about the local justice system can enroll in the Natchez Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy.

Detective Jerry Ford said the academy is designed to teach residents about the duties of NPD, from patrol officers and investigators to the records’ division staff and other jobs.

Residents will also learn about the role of the district attorney’s office and the court system in the process of solving a crime.

“They (will) gain knowledge as to what exactly they can expect from the police department, the district attorney’s office and the court system if they are a victim of a crime,” Ford said.

The police department previously conducted citizens police academies several years ago, Ford said, and decided to bring them back to better educate the public on the criminal justice system.

“They will look at all different aspects of the system,” Ford said. “It enhances their perspective of what all the criminal justice system does when a crime takes place and what all we do to get (a suspect) apprehended and processed.”

The academy is sponsored by Crime Stoppers and the local Neighborhood Watch program and is free to Adams County residents who are at least 18.

The academy starts on Jan. 16 and will meet from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. for seven weeks each Wednesday.

Residents must complete an application for the academy, and a basic background check will be conducted on all applicants.

Applications can be picked up at the NPD records’ division at 233 D’Evereux Drive. The deadline for application is Jan. 10.

For more information, contact Ford at 445-7543.