Citizen’s Public Safety Academy begins Jan. 9

The next 11-week course for the Citizen’s Public Safety Academy runs 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Jan. 9.

The curriculum incorporates the day- to-day job requirements of police officers and firefighters. Sessions are held at The Copa Center, 44585 W. Honeycutt Road.

Applications are available at the Maricopa Police Department, 45145 W. Madison Ave. Applicants must be at least 18 and will be subject to a background check

During the police portion of the academy, students will learn traffic enforcement, impaired driver investigation, collision investigation, basic detective investigations, defensive tactics, patrol tactics and use of force. Students also will be required to participate in a ride-along with an officer.

The academy will include a practical exercise with a firearm training simulator in which students are presented with randomly generated scenarios and graded on their decision-making skills.

During the fire portion of the curriculum, students will learn fire suppression, fire code enforcement, arson investigation, fire cause determination, fire and life safety education, emergency medical and rescue services, community emergency preparedness and hazardous materials response. Students will learn how use firefighting tools such as axes, spreaders, a ladder truck, a fire truck and the Jaws of Life.

Students will be given the opportunity to wear the uniform and handle the equipment to get a feel for what it’s like to be in this profession.

Graduation will be March 20 for those who complete the academy successfully.